The Lancashire Oaks is the highlight of a typically competitive Haydock card on Saturday. There are some high-class fillies and mares seeking the Group 2 prize including last season’s Oaks winner Talent.
She ran a great race to finish second in the St Leger but is yet to win since Epsom. She was disappointing behind shock winner Seal Of Approval at Ascot in October but should be better for her comeback race behind Cirrus Des Aigles.
There are a number of unknown quantities in this field including the unbeaten Sultanina and Charity Line. The latter comes over from Italy with a big reputation but I prefer to side with the progressive Lustrous. Richard Hannon’s filly foiled my selection, Radiator, when winning narrowly at York over a mile. She was then stepped up to a mile and a half for the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot and held up to get the trip.
Richard Hughes weaved his way through the field up the home straight and beat all bar Bracelet. She looked tough and resolute at York and looks good each-way value in a tough race.
The Old Newton Cup has always been a favourite target for Newmarket trainer Luca Cumani. Once again he saddles the likely favourite here in Havana Cooler, a promising third at the Royal meeting first time out. I was not entirely taken with him last season at Goodwood when he seemed to take an age to quicken up for Kieren Fallon and I am prepared to pass him over in this race.
Havana Cooler is drawn in stall 1 but I would imagine that he would be dropped in behind Salutation. Mark Johnston’s horses are very difficult to predict in these big handicaps and Salutation is no exception. He could just as easily finish last as first.
De Rigeur produced a 25-1 shock in a messy race at Newmarket last time where Mighty Yar was sent off favourite. I would not be at all surprised to see the places reversed as Mighty Yar raced on the far side and I’ve often seen races favour the stands side on the July course. He wasn’t beaten that far in seventh and is well drawn in stall 7.
Dashing Star ran in that race and against Salutation at Ascot but always seems to find a couple too good so we shall side with Mighty Yar for Lady Cecil.
Lustrous 2.55 Haydock at 8-1 Paddy Power
Mighty Yar 3.30 Haydock at 9-1 Skybet
