THE silver lining in a dismal week for Martin Pipe may emerge today at Haydock, where Control Man turns out in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup (2.25) over an extended 3½ miles. A young horse on a rising curve, Control Man should have the race run to suit and is taken to outlast a similar type in Baron Windrush.
Stamina appears abundant in Control Man, who has been obliged to make his own running in small fields on his past two starts. His defeat at Warwick last time came at a track ill-tailored to his needs and he can rebound in this valuable prize. With Royal Emperor and Forest Gunner, both habitual front-runners, in the line-up, Timmy Murphy can bide his time aboard the selection before playing his hand.
Dangers abound in a competitive race. Baron Windrush arrives in mint condition after a fluent Warwick victory, but the subsequent 10lb rise renders him vulnerable. Too Forward is another with claims off his low weight but Control Man, who remains relatively unexposed, can make the point in what is expected to develop into a searing test of galloping.
Also at Haydock, the Brit Insurance Prestige Novices’ Hurdle (1.25) looks ripe for the unpenalised Wild Cane Ridge, a thorough stayer who revels in testing conditions. Mephisto’s Flat form will ensure him plenty of support, but whether this extreme distance will suit is another matter.
Jonjo O’Neill saddles his first runners since closing down his Jackdaw’s Castle yard at Christmas. Three venture to Haydock, but Tony McCoy’s absence from the Lancashire track hardly inspires confidence.
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McCoy travels instead to Wincanton, principally to ride Inglis Drever in the Axminster Kingwell Hurdle (3.05). However, the Champion Hurdle candidate will struggle to contain Rigmarole over two miles around this tight track.
The Country Gentlemen’s Association Chase (3.35) has attracted a small but select line-up. With doubts over whether Edredon Bleu can recapture his best, the way may be left clear for Royal Auclair and Colonel Frank to dominate. Preference is for the former, a game and consistent performer well suited by the demands of this track.
Iris’s Gift makes his eagerly awaited debut over fences in the totesport Chase (2.10) at Lingfield. However, the Stayers’ Hurdle winner faces a daunting introduction to fences over an inadequate trip and cannot realistically be supported. Ollie Magern, a progressive novice, may be losing his edge after a busy campaign and is passed over in favour of Murphy’s Cardinal. This lightly-raced nine-year-old should appreciate the drop back in trip and will encounter the soft ground he likes.
The Telectronics Reynoldstown Novices Chase (1.40) lacks the quality normally drawn to this race. Brave Spirit and Distant Thunder have prospects but both appear a cut below Le Passing.
At Uttoxeter, Liberthine makes plenty of appeal in the Singer & Friedlander Handicap Chase (3.50). She was unlucky not to beat Kandjar D’Allier on similarly testing going at Windsor in December and would have finished much closer to Buckby Lane at Cheltenham last time but for blundering at the final fence.
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William Hill have installed Satin Kiss, owned by Godolphin, at 16-1 for the 1,000 Guineas after the filly won the UAE equivalent at Nad al Sheba on Thursday. The same firm cut Motivator, the Racing Post Trophy winner, to 12-1 (from 16-1) for the 2,000 Guineas.