Haydock and Warwick previews: Mulholland to take the Sting out of handicap rivals
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | March 23, 2016
Deadly Sting in the tail for Haydock handicap rivals
Neil Mulholland gelding Deadly Sting has a superb record when fresh and shaped with promise on winning his only start over fences, so looks the answer in the 2m 4f limited handicap chase (15:30) at Haydock today.
Formerly trained by Jonjo O’Neill and John Butler, the seven-year-old has four wins and four seconds from a dozen races under rules. Deadly Sting also relishes the good ground he gets at the Merseyside venue, which is more than can be said for some of his race rivals.
Paul Nicholls horse Some Buckle disappointed on his two previous starts over today’s trip at Cheltenham and Aintree last season. On the latter occasion, he was partnered by Denis O’Regan, but the Irish jockey now pilots Deadly Sting.
Daveron, meanwhile, is sporting career-best form of successive wins, but the bid to land the hat-trick looks unlikely as the eight-year-old has taken three of his four victories when going has been soft.
Only Leanna Ban is carrying less weight than Deadly Sting of the five horses going to post here, so a rest of 305 days should be enough for Mulholland and O’Regan to follow up that chasing success at Worcester last May.
Man From Seville to follow up
In the 1m 7f novices’ hurdle that precedes the above (14:55), Man From Seville looks worth a punt to build on his February win over the same distance.
This Fergal O’Brien trained chestnut gelding found 2m 3f a trip too far on his debut over the obstacles, having previously won his final two flat runs for Sir Mark Prescott.
Man From Seville took a prominent role when given a start in a shorter distance hurdles race at Southwell, taking the class 4 contest by almost 4 lengths.
Opposition at Haydock comes in the form of eyebrow-raising favourite Double W’s, who cannot seem to win for love nor money, and Cartmel course specialist Altruism – carrying top weight here.
At decent odds, then, Man From Seville is at the very least worthy of an each-way wager.
Haydock selections
14:20 Hollies Pearl
14:55 Man From Seville (e/w at ante post price)
15:20 Deadly Sting (Nap)
16:00 Beatu
16:30 Lord Landen
17:00 Impulsive American
Talk Of The South has Warwick shout
Paul Henderson horse Talk Of The South, meanwhile, looks the best equipped to make the step up to 3m 2f in the Ricoh Arena Handicap Hurdle at Wawrick (15:50).
The seven-year-old won over 3m at Plumpton by seven lengths just nine days ago, and his trainer’s willingness to send the gelding out again so soon is an indicator Henderson likes the odds of swift back-to-back successes.
Warren Greatrex’s Ceann Sibheal is clearly a mud-loving horse, but the going is good not heavy, and Bells Of Ailsworth was unable to challenge over 2m 5f last time out, so has an awful lot to find.
Midnight Jade made for ground
In the 3m 5f handicap chase at 16:50, bay mare Midnight Jade is set to follow up her impressive making all run at Southwell.
Although her new mark of 106 translates to being put up by 6lb, a sex allowance means Midnight Jade carries 10st 6lb here – just 3lb more than when successful last time out.
Daryl Jacob mount Bebinn has won two of her last three starts, but is another that prefers bottomless ground, so is unlikely to challenge here.
Warwick selections
14:10 Walking In The Air
14:40 Breath Of Blighty
15:15 Brownville
15:50 Talk Of The South (Nap)
16:20 Bonnet’s Vino
16:50 Midnight Jade
17:20 Beau Du Brizais
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