Race Analysis:

The 4.00 at Haydock is a competitive handicap with 8 runners set to go to post. The going is currently listed as good to firm, and this is a Class 4 race run over 5 furlongs (1100 yards) for horses aged 4 years old and above. The stall positioning is in the centre of the track.

1. Swayze (Total Rating 400.7): Swayze leads the field on ratings and is the highest-ranked contender for this race. Swayze scored over course and distance last summer and made a winning start to the season at Newcastle. However, the form since then has been below par, and the question mark hangs over whether the horse can return to form off this current mark.
2. So Smart (IRE) (Total Rating 342.2): Next in line on ratings is So Smart. The horse boasts a solid record on good ground and has been consistent in its recent runs, most notably third at Nottingham on soft ground. The horse’s form over course and distance reads a promising 223, indicating a liking for the conditions.
3. Rum Cocktail (Total Rating 332.9): Rum Cocktail’s rating places the horse third in line for consideration. With an encouraging debut for the new stable, finishing third at Ascot over 5f on good ground, there’s a good chance for Rum Cocktail if able to build on that effort.
4. Manila Scouse (Total Rating 329.7): Manila Scouse comes in fourth on the ratings, narrowly behind Rum Cocktail. The horse was only raced on soft ground and showed promising comeback at Ripon two weeks ago. While the fast ground poses a question, it could show more progress.
5. Dandy Dinmont (IRE) (Total Rating 310.3): Fifth on the ratings is Dandy Dinmont, who has shown consistency in recent runs, finishing fourth at Beverley last time out. Although the assessor isn’t offering much leeway, Dandy Dinmont still retains frame possibilities based on recent evidence.

Additional Considerations:

Catch Cunningham (IRE) (Total Rating 297.4): Catch Cunningham, although lower on the ratings, is noted for potentially reviving in new headgear, and is nicely treated having slipped back to the same mark as for York win last September.

Birkenhead (Total Rating 280.0): Despite being the second lowest rated, Birkenhead is back up two grades but he scored off this mark in a York Class 4 last July, suggesting a competitive run can be expected if he brings his best form.

Based on the total ratings and the recent form lines, Swayze, So Smart, and Rum Cocktail appear to be the leading contenders in this race. However, given the unpredictable nature of horse racing, other competitors such as Catch Cunningham and Birkenhead could also make an impact.