MIDNIGHT EXPRESS
Easterby ace on right track to be punters’ pal in Haydock’s Be Friendly
MIDNIGHT MALIBU can strike for the in-form Tim Easterby by beating 12 opponents over five furlongs in the Be Friendly Handicap (3.00) at Haydock.
Easterby has had a golden summer and, after a couple of near misses, Midnight Malibu got in on the act when scoring at Epsom 12 days ago.
This rates a tougher assignment, but the daughter of Poet’s Voice has an excellent record here – a win and two seconds from three tries.
Although all her victories have been gained on good ground or faster, Midnight Malibu has gone close with plenty of give underfoot.
Despite being a beaten favourite in Ireland on his latest outing, MORANDO
has plenty going for him in the Group 3 Mile (3.35).
Roger Varian’s grey would have benefited from a stronger gallop when fourth in Leopardstown’s Group 3 Desmond Stakes, but had previously made a winning return in Listed grade at Windsor and should have more to offer. Like Morando, DEE EX BEE
failed to deliver for punters when the 6-5 jolly for the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York last month, but Mark Johnston’s Glorious Goodwood scorer is worth another chance in the Listed Ascendant Stakes (1.50).
Later at Haydock, top weight MY may not be enough to stop REWARD
in the 4.10. MUSTARRID At Kempton, is taken to triumph for the third time on artificial surfaces by claiming the London Mile Handicap Final (3.15), while earlier MIDTERM (below) got back on track at Epsom last time and can continue the good work in the September Stakes (2.05). His hat-trick bid ended in defeat at the Shergar Cup, LUALIWA but still has plenty going for him in Ascot’s Cunard Handicap (2.45). A three-timer is the aim for TORCELLO after successes at Salisbury and Newmarket, and he looks capable of coming up with the goods in the Appletiser Handicap (3.55).