Toiling Mitchum can get his swagger back

WITH his sights set more realistically, MITCHUM SWAGGER (Haydock, 4.05) can break a long losing run in this afternoon’s feature Group Three Betway John of Gaunt Stakes.

The David Lanigan-trained gelding has been asked some searching questions which he has been unable to answer.

That includes a last-timeout seventh behind top notcher Ribchester in the Group One Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. That followed a seasonal comeback fifth behind in- form Sovereign Debt in the Group Two Bet365 Mile at Sandown.

In an open contest where plenty will fancy their chances, Mitchum Swagger has more going for him than most thanks to his proven softground form plus the booking of jockey Ryan Moore (right). Mitchum Swagger was behind Breton Rock at Newbury, with the David Simcock rival finishing a very creditable third to Ribchester.

But Breton Rock has to shoulder a 5lb penalty back in this lower grade and that won’t be easy.

The biggest threat to Mitchum Swagger may end up coming from So Beloved, who has never been out of the first three at Haydock.

Having missed out on a win when campaigned at a high level last season, it would be easy to jump to the conclusion that AJMAN PRINCESS (Haydock, 3.30) lacked the appetite for battle.

But she has proved that to be emphatically wrong with two wins this season, the last delivered with ease in a Listed race at Goodwood.

She should be able to make a winning step up the ladder in the Group Three Betway Pinnacle Stakes at Haydock.

The best bet of the day could turn out to be CALDER

PRINCE (Haydock, nap, 5.15). The Tom Dascombe-trained gelding has a great record at the Merseyside track and was well backed last time out at Doncaster. His fourth place to Afjaan here in April is looking an increasingly decent run as the form picks up more boosts and Calder Prince might be a decent price if punters concentrate too strongly on Newmarket raider Zwayyan.