Liberty Beach can make another splash with Haydock victory
Liberty Beach can gain a deserved victory in the Casumo Best Odds Guaranteed Temple Stakes at Haydock today.
John Quinn's speedster signed off last season with a career-best when only narrowly beaten in the Prix de l'abbaye, and the decision to keep her in training can be rewarded in this Group Two.
The winner of five of her 12 career starts, Liberty Beach has scored first time up in both her seasons to date - so the fact she comes here fresh is, if anything, a bonus rather than a hindrance.
Following a victory in the Cecil Frail Stakes over this course and distance last year, she went on to chase home Battaash in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot when beaten just a short head for second and then ran respectably at Sandown, Goodwood and in Ireland.
Her best effort, though, came on very soft ground at Parislongchamp when she was beaten just a neck and a short neck into third by Wooded and Glass Slippers, with the latter going on to win at the Breeders' Cup.
With plenty of rain forecast for Merseyside, Liberty Beach looks to have a lot in her favour.
Martyn Meade's Method created quite a stir when winning his first two races last season, and can return to winning ways in the Casumo Bet10get10 Sandy Lane Stakes.
A four-and-a-half-length debut win over subsequent 1000 Guineas third Fev Rover was followed up with a comfortable triumph over the 101-rated Mighty Gurkha in a
Listed race. Meade then sent Method for the Middle Park, but his saddle slipped and he lost all chance.
He was a beaten favourite in his final outing at two in the Cornwallis Stakes when no match for Tim Easterby's flying filly Winter Power - but that run looks a lot better now, given the latter's startling performance at York last week.
Method can be given one more chance to prove he was not just an early type.
George Boughey is enjoying a great season - and while Lostwithiel lost his unbeaten record last time out, he lost little else and looks the one to be on in the WSG Promotions Handicap at Newmarket.