14:40 Haydock

Saturday 29 April 2023

All13:3014:0514:4015:1515:4516:2016:55

Darley Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:43 | Winning time: 2m 33.24s

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Selected odds by:

(4)

If Not Now²¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: Rossa Ryan| T: R M Beckett

15/8

Out of a useful German winner and off the mark at the first attempt at Salisbury 7 months ago. Longer trip should suit and he's worthy of consideration.

Form: 1-

(1)

Knockbrex¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: R Kingscote| T: C Johnston

10/1

Left debut form well behind when making all in good style at Pontefract recently and is likely to go well again under another positive ride.

Form: 81

(3)

Maxident¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: K Stott| T: D J S Ffrench Davis| D

11/4

Related to plenty of winners and made an impressive start when readily scoring in tough conditions at Leicester 15 days ago. Hard to quantify that form but he's worth a chance to prove himself a good prospect.

Form: 1

(6)

Allo Al Khawaneej²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: Owen Burrows

40/1

Related to numerous winners (including Delegator) but only sixth in a novice at Southwell on debut. Should come on for that but plenty to find with some of his rivals.

Form: 6

(2)

Gregory

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden

5/2

Golden Horn colt. Half-brother to smart 11f winner Lionel. Dam, useful 1½m-14.6f (Park Hill Stakes) winner, half-sister to Irish St Leger winner (stayed 2m) Duncan. Very well bred and looks the stable's first string.

Form:

(5)

Port Jackson^b1

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: K Shoemark| T: J & T Gosden

11/1

Australia gelding. Closely related to winner up to 1½m Floating Artist and 9f winner Darlington Hall, both smart. Wears blinkers. Worth monitoring in the betting.

Form:

(7)

Sutue Alshams²⁰⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: A Mullen| T: I Jardine

20/1

Much better effort when second of 6 in minor event at Pontefract (10f) 6 months ago. Gelded and not ruled out now stepping up in distance.

Form: 62-

Forecasts

If Not Now (15/8), Gregory (5/2), Maxident (11/4), Knockbrex (10/1), Port Jackson (11/1), Sutue Alshams (20/1), Allo Al Khawaneej (40/1)

MAXIDENT was an emphatic debut winner and, while the ground at Leicester was undoubtedly a factor, he's worth a chance to confirm the promise and maintain his unbeaten record. Gregory has an impeccable pedigree and looks a noteworthy newcomer, while improvement is expected from both Knockbrex and If Not Now, who also shoulder penalties.