Keith Dalgleish, whose highly successful career as a North Yorkshire-based jockey was cut short because of rising weight, is proving himself a talented recruit to the training ranks and he can take a further step forward at Haydock tomorrow.
Dalgleish was a leading apprentice and a Group 1-winning jockey when riding for Mark Johnston at Middleham. But his weight was always a grave concern and, in the end, and long before he'd reached his prime, he lost his battle with the scales.
Now based in Lanarkshire, Dalgleish took a licence to train earlier this year and has made a bright start. Doc Hay has done him proud by becoming a prolific winner in sprint handicaps and Stonefield Flyer, who runs in tomorrow's Bohle British Stallion Studs Maiden Stakes, came close to providing him with a dream Royal Ascot win in his first season earlier this month.
The talented colt, a six lengths winner at Newcastle on his previous outing, found only Frederick Engles too strong for him in the Windsor Castle Stakes, but he ran a mighty race and proved himself a useful juvenile.
Stonefield Flyer is up against some talented opponents, but this speedy youngster is expected to be up to the task of regaining the winning thread.
Paul Hanagan – born at nearby Warrington – has a loyal Haydock following and he can keep his supporters happy by bagging the opening Float Glass Industries Maiden Auction Stakes aboard Excavator.
Trained by Roger Charlton, the two-year-old has finished second in both his outings to date, at Bath and most recently at Kempton where he failed by only a neck to justify favouritism. He is fancied to go one better and make it third time lucky.
Stillington trainer Ruth Carr is enjoying a fine summer and she can add to her growing tally of winners with Red Cape in the Distinction Doors Handicap.
Runner-up on his last two starts, Red Cape is overdue a winning turn and opportunity is fancied to come knocking for him in this six-furlong dash.
North Yorkshire trainer Julie Camacho and Declan Carroll can also figure on the scoreboard.
Camacho saddles Beat The Rush in the Ritec 30th Anniversary Handicap and although this useful gelding has yet to recapture his form of last season in two outings this term, he is worth another chance.
Carroll is represented by Hits Only Jude in the Glass Times Handicap. A respectable runner-up at Warwick last time, the eight-year-old has sound claims.
At Newbury's evening meeting, Polar Annie is napped to win the Forsters LLP Fillies' Handicap.
A decisive winner at Chepstow on her latest start, Polar Annie is capable of defying a 5lb higher mark here on behalf of Malcolm Saunders, who does particularly well with sprinters. Furthermore, Polar Annie is a past winner on this course.
Transfer (6.35), who has been in tremendous form lately, has every chance of completing a hat-trick of wins in the opening race.
Racing selections
Haydock
2.30 Excavator, 3.00 Stonefield Flyer, 3.30 Red Cape, 4.00 Ezdeyaad, 4.30 Mujrayaat, 5.00 Beat The Rush, 5.30 Hits Only Jude.
Newbury
6.35 Transfer, 7.05 Ballyea, 7.35 Retainer, 8.10 Polar Annie, (NAP), 8.40 Light Well, 9.10 Anton Dolin.
Tomorrow’s other meetings: Epsom, Perth and Yarmouth.
Today’s meetings: Catterick, Chepstow, Kempton, Perth and Worcester.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here