Racing preview: Haydock the highlight of weekend action

We have previewed the feature contests at the track which are live on ITV Racing.

The highlight at Haydock is the £60,000 G3 John Of Gaunt Stakes over seven furlongs (3.30pm). The 9/4 market leader is Safe Voyage who is chasing a fifth win over course and distance for John Quinn. The popular eight-year-old was a dual winner in Group Two company last term, before being set too stern a challenge when well-beaten in two Group One events of late. However, despite having to carry top-weight this drop in grade is sure to suit and he makes plenty of appeal.

With Thanks (7/2) is a live danger having looked progressive last term for William Haggas. The four-year-old recorded an impressive five-length victory at Naas in November proving that cut in the ground will only aid her chances.

Others who warrant a mention include Toro Strike (11/2) who comes into the race off the back of a smart win at Thirsk on his seasonal reappearance, whilst River Nymph was successful at Ascot recently for Clive Cox and is another to consider around the 6/1 mark.

Njord won the Balmoral Handicap last term and is of interest at 8/1 for the Jessica Harrington team, whilst Glorious Journey (13/2) is a multiple Group-race winner and also makes appeal.

Frankie Dettori rides Kinross (10/1) who needs to improve on two poor efforts this term for Ralph Beckett, whilst Brad The Brief (16/1) and Queen Jo Jo (20/1) complete the field.

The other Group-race event on the card is the £60,000 G3 Pinnacle Stakes at 2.55pm over 12 furlongs.

Cabaletta heads the betting at 13/8 for Roger Varian having captured a Listed prize at Newbury last term. The four-year-old was third in the Middleton Stakes at York last week, but is respected with testing ground in her favour.

La Lune (11/4) was successful in Listed company at Nottingham last time out and has to enter calculations along with Oriental Mystique (11/4) who finished a solid third in a Listed event at Goodwood on her reappearance.

The six runners are completed by Salsada (13/2), Wait For The Lord (16/1) and National Treasure (40/1).

Elsewhere on the card, the £37,000 Listed Achilles Stakes is also live on ITV and features the evergreen eight-year-old El Astronaute who returned to action with a smooth win at Chester last time out. He handles soft ground is the 7/2 market leader.

Moss Gill (5/1) progressed through the ranks last year, which included a good third in the Nunthorpe at York. Second at Lingfield in February, she is open to more improvement and is one to note along with top-weight Tarboosh (11/2), Motagally (6/1) and King’s Lynn who represents Her Majesty The Queen and looks progressive.

ITV selections

1.45pm Haydock: Bielsa 6/1

2.00pm Beverley: Kyber Crystal 6/4

2.20pm Haydock: King’s Lynn 6/1

2.40pm Chester: Another Batt 9/2

2.55pm Haydock: Oriental Mystique 11/4

3.10pm Beverley: Tipperary Sunset 9/2

3.30pm Haydock: Safe Voyage 9/4

3.45pm Beverley: Sibaaq 15/8

Odds from SBK. Visit the SBK sportsbook app