Paul Ferguson two selections for us on Saturday; Fingerontheswitch at 2.35 and Intilaaq in the 3.45 at Meydan. Compare odds and bet.
Despite being a stone higher in the handicap than when winning impressively at Doncaster last month Fingerontheswitch (2:35) can follow up at Haydock on Saturday, provided the ground doesn’t deteriorate too much.
Neil Mulholland’s novice has been a regular in this column this season and won with a fair bit in hand last time. Originally upped 12lbs for that success, the handicapper has since added a further 2lbs, so a career best is required off a revised mark of 137.
The distance could be just about ideal, however, and the drier the ground the better. At the time of writing (Friday lunchtime) it is dry and pleasant in the North West, but rain is expected and that would reduce the chances of this improving son of Beneficial. If lots of rain arrives, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pulled out and aimed at the 3m handicap at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.
Later on the card, be sure to pay attention to the concluding bumper, in which the well-bred Asum is very much one to note for the in-form Dan Skelton.
Over in Meydan, the Roger Varian-trained Intilaaq (3:45) is taken to land the Group 1 Dubai Turf under Paul Hanagan.
The Dynaformer colt was last seen winning the Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock last August and, while much more is required here, I thoroughly expect him to develop into a top-class four-year-old – he can make the perfect start to his season.
Saturday’s selections:
2:35 Haydock : Fingerontheswitch; 9/1 Paddy Power
3:45 Meydan: Intilaaq; 5/2 Paddy Power
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