Mattmu can take revenge

Limato sets a demanding standard for his nine rivals in the Group two Sandy Lane Stakes today and it may prove a fruitless exercise trying to oppose one of the more exciting sprinters on the block.

However, MATTMU (Haydock, nap, 3.45) could prove to be a special talent in his own right and, at his morning odds, is worth siding with to lower the colours of his old adversary.

the duo met in Redcar’s two-Year-old trophy last october when Limato proved a lengthand-a-half too strong for his rival after travelling powerfully throughout that contest and putting it to bed swiftly.

this afternoon could well be different, with the ground easier at Haydock if the forecast heavy showers hit the track, and the easier terrain may blunt Limato’s effectiveness.

in contrast, mattmu loves to get his toe in and his comeback run in a York Group two behind Glass office matched anything his market foe has achieved.

there is also every chance tim Easterby’s speedster has improved in his own right over the winter and, as connections believe he is the real deal, he is worth chancing to deny the likely favourite at a venue where he has already won.

the admirable DUSKY QUEEN (York, nb, 1.45) looks to have improved again this season and could make a bold bid to back up her triumph on the Knavesmire a fortnight ago. that victory meant the five-year- old’s course and distance record now reads 011341 and she has struck up a good understanding with Samantha Bell, who has been on board for two of her four successes.

Later on the card, the Spring Sprint looks a fierce heat to solve, but RED BARON (York, 2.55) is in the form of his life and could be the answer if the trailblazer can establish an early lead.