Racecards
13:10 Haydock Park
Red Square Vodka Prestige Novices' Hurdle (Class A)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m 7f 110y
- Going: Good, Good to Soft in places
Iris's Gift
28- Form 52-1111
- Age 6
- Weight 11-9
- Trainer J & A O'Neill
- Jockey B J Geraghty
tracked leader, led 8th, quickened clear 2 out, very easily
- Form 1/11-121
- Age 8
- Weight 11-9
- Trainer Mrs M Reveley
- Jockey A Dempsey
tracked leaders, chased winner approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakening whem mistake next
- Form 30-1112
- Age 6
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer J Parkinson & S Smith
- Jockey W Marston
pulled hard and held up, not fluent, ridden approaching 9th, soon weakened
- Form 221301
- Age 7
- Weight 11-1
- Trainer N & W Twiston-Davies
- Jockey C Llewellyn
led to 8th, ridden and outpaced 3 out, kept on flat, no chance with winner
In depth
Verdict
Iris's Gift has improved for every run this season and has proven form at this level with two Grade 2 victories under her belt already. Arguably this is an easier task than she faced when winning at Uttoxeter last time out and should have too much class for her rivals. Her main danger will be Tees Component who has followed a strange career path beginning in bumpers then ending up favourite for one of the biggest staying flat handicaps at Newmarket. Sent over hurdles for the first time this season he has progressed well winning at Newcastle and Doncaster though he may struggle at these weights. One to bear in mind if the front two in the betting aren't firing is Simply Supreme who has shown a liking for this track having won twice here and will be seen at his best if there is overnight rain having shown his best form on a softer surface.