Ornate can sparkle for Cowell at Haydock

Ornate can thrive back in Listed company when he takes the plunge in the 188bet.co.uk Achilles Stakes at Haydock.

Previously trained by William Haggas, Ornate’s statistics are not especially inspiring with just one win in 12 outings, but he appears to be running as well as ever for Robert Cowell this term. Perhaps a change in scenery has refreshed his mindset as while he was beaten in handicap and conditions company towards the end of last term, he has been in there and punching at Group Three level this season.

It looked as though he might make his Pattern race breakthrough in the Abernant on his seasonal bow, but he possibly did not quite see out the six furlongs as Brando swooped in the dying strides to claim a length victory. That was a fine effort, though, and Ornate again deserved much credit when sixth behind Marsha in the Palace House last month, being beaten just three lengths by what appears to be an exceptionally classy filly.

Sticking to five furlongs against lesser company on Merseyside, it will be disap- pointing if he cannot make his presence felt.

Mr Khalid compromised his chance of victory by racing far too eagerly last time, but hopefully he should have learned his lesson ahead of the Bespoke Properties Handicap at Goodwood.

The four-year-old raced prominently from a wide position at Kempton and his early efforts told in the finish as he beat just one home over ten furlongs.

Roger Charlton has opted to switch up half a mile in trip and while the extra distance is not certain to suit, Mr Khalid is worth a shot, particularly if his rider can get him to cooperate.

Mittens hails from a fine Juddmonte family and she is the one to be on in the Farmer Butcher Chef Fillies’ Handicap.