BACK THE LAD
Ellison’s dashing grey can lead the way at Haydock
NORTHGATE LAD can end a frustrating losing sequence in the Betway Dash Handicap (2.55) at Haydock.
It has been a fair time between drinks for Brian Ellison’s grey – it’s just under two years since he was last in winning action, when landing the Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle in June 2015.
But Northgate Lad has run well in three outings in handicap company this season, following a sixth – though beaten less than two lengths – at Doncaster in April with a third at Pontefract later that month.
Ben Curtis’s mount compromised his chance when rearing at the start of a sixfurlong event at York’s Dante meeting 24 days ago and in the circumstances did well to take fourth, two lengths behind winner Al Qahwa.
From the same rating Northgate Lad, proven under this afternoon’s conditions, can enjoy a change of luck.
Evidently thriving for belatedly losing AJMAN PRINCESS her maiden status, is fancied to complete a hat-trick in the Betway Pinnacle Stakes (3.30).
Although second in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last June, Roger Varian’s filly had to wait until the sixth outing of her career to win her first race when landing odds of 1-20 at Lingfield in March.
Ajman Princess followed up by five lengths in Listed company at Goodwood last month and there is plenty more where that came from. Haydock’s Betway Sprint Handicap FANTASY (2.20) looks a good opening for KEEPER to add to a handicap debut score at Nottingham last time out. JUANITO CHICO, At Newmarket, back to winning form on Epsom’s Oaks undercard last Friday, looks up to defying a 7lb rise in the 2.30, JAAMEH while is the one to be on in the 3.40. KHAMAARY gets the vote to remain unbeaten in Chester’s Liverpool Gin Handicap (3.10).