Brocklebank, an impressive winner at York in May, but a bitter disappointment at Royal Ascot the following month, bids to get back in the groove at Haydock tomorrow.
The Kevin Ryan-trained colt was bought by Highclere Thoroughbreds on the back of his Knavesmire success, but the new owners had little to cheer about in the Coventry Stakes when Brocklebank finished in the rear of the big field.
Lots of horses, however, fail to produce their best at Royal Ascot and it is far too early to write off Brocklebank, who is worthy of another chance in the British Stallions St Helens Novice Stakes.
Paul Hanagan has good prospects of a double aboard Badea and Ingleby Exceed.
Badea, trained by Richard Fahey, has finished in the frame in all his three starts this term and should appreciate this slightly longer trip after finishing second at Beverley last time out. He should go well in the Smooth Radio Maiden Stakes.
Ingleby Exceed won at York on his latest start, beating stablemate Maggie Mey in the process.
The three-year-old runs in the TurfTV.co.uk Handicap and, off a 6lb higher mark, is fancied to run a big race for Nawton trainer David O’Meara, whose excellent run included two winners at Ripon on Monday.
Tim Easterby is another trainer in fine form and he has every chance with nap selection Bollin Greta in the Real Radio Handicap.
The six-year-old, a Nottingham winner earlier in the season, finished a decent third to French Hollow at York last time out, and the winner went on to frank that form with a follow up victory at Hamilton. A five-times winner, Bollin Greta can add to her tally under David Allan.
Hunter Forward has excellent prospects for Kieren Fallon in the Blue Prism Operational Agility Handicap.
Trained by Luca Cumani, the five-year-old scored on her seasonal debut at Sandown last week in a fillies’ handicap and is fancied to defy a 6lb penalty.
Cumani and Fallon also have a good chance at Sandown’s evening meeting with Dysios in the Variety Club Day On August 20th Handicap.
The three-year-old continues to threaten to get his head in front and ran the useful Powerful Presence close on his latest start at Haydock last month.
In the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing Maiden Stakes, all eyes will surely be on Martin Chuzzlewit, trained by Sir Michael Stoute and, in the absence of the injured Ryan Moore, the mount of Tom Queally.
A well-related son of Galileo, Martin Chuzzlewit cost 420,000 euros as a yearling. He shaped with promise to finish fifth on his debut at Newbury three weeks ago and connections will be keeping their fingers tightly crossed he can start repaying his huge purchase price here.
Queally can also hit the target for his boss Sir Henry Cecil on Sacred Shield in the Chelsea F.C. Foundation Handicap.
The three-year-old has won twice this season, and she seems in excellent heart at present.
Racing selections
Haydock
2.10 Badea, 2.40 Diamond Blue, 3.10 Hunter Forward, 3.40 Brocklebank, 4.10 Ingleby Exceed, 4.40 Bollin Greta (NAP).
Sandown
5.40 Gallery, 6.10 Grandmas Dream, 6.45 Martin Chuzzlewit, 7.20 Sacred Shield, 7.55 Dysios, 8.25 Catchanova.
Tomorrow’s other meetings
Brighton, Chepstow, Folkestone and Yarmouth.
Today’s meetings
Brighton, Kempton, Newcastle, Pontefract and Yarmouth.
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