HAYLEY’S THOUGHTS
I’M going to be riding at Goodwood for the next two days, but I’ve had a good look at tomorrow’s Betfred Temple Stakes at Haydock, the next leg of the QIPCO British Champions Series.
The first thing to say is that with these sprinters everything needs to fall right. There’s very little between them and just missing the break or running too keenly can put paid to their chances. I raced against a lot of tomorrow’s runners last season with Margot Did and Dream Ahead and, as long as the ground stays firm, I think Bated Breath is the most likely winner.
Roger Charlton’s stable is in fine form and this five-year-old was only beaten a nose by Dream Ahead in the Group One Sprint Cup last September. His form figures at Haydock are 112, so he should go very close.
Sole Power won this race on similar ground last year and he is the main danger to the selection. His Nunthorpe win was regarded by many as a fluke, but he has proven he is up to this level and his form out in Dubai earlier this year was very good.
Tangerine Trees hasn’t run since winning the Abbaye last season. He did a piece of work at Thirsk recently which I saw and I wasn’t too impressed if I’m honest. The ground was soft up there, though, so that may be the reason, but he has been called lazy at home and may just need the run.
Masamah was second to Deacon Blues at Newbury last season and that is very strong form. However, similarly to Tangerine Trees, there has to be a question mark over his race fitness.
It’s very competitive racing at Goodwood, but I’m looking forward to riding Dandino and Kimberella tomorrow.
I’m also thrilled to be riding Cavaleiro in the Investec Derby for Marcus Tregoning next Saturday – it’s a real honour to become only the second female jockey to ride in the race.