Based on the comprehensive briefing document provided, here is a detailed betting preview for the 1:55 CopyBet Handicap at Haydock.
Race Verdict: This Class 3 handicap over a staying trip of 1 mile and 6 furlongs presents a classic clash between a rapidly improving three-year-old and a group of tough, proven handicappers. The key to this race will be weighing the massive potential of Coedana against the undeniable course-and-distance credentials of High Point, who got the better of the consistent Contacto here last time out.
High Point boasts the most solid profile, having won over this exact course, distance, and ground on his most recent start. His determined attitude makes him a formidable opponent. However, the sheer authority of Coedana’s last two victories suggests she could be a filly destined for a much higher grade, and if she handles the new challenges of trip and class, she may have too much talent for this field. The two-time course winner In The Breeze also warrants respect following a return to form.
Selections
- #7 High Point (NAP)
- #1 Coedana
- #3 In The Breeze (Each-Way)
Detailed Contender Analysis
WIN SELECTION: #7 HIGH POINT
- Weight: 9-6
- OR: 79
- Rationale: High Point presents the most compelling case based on proven form. He is a course and distance winner, having shown “bundles of pluck” to gamely defeat rival Contacto here just three weeks ago on identical ‘Good-to-Soft’ ground. That performance confirmed the step up to 1m 6f was “no problem at all” for him. A subsequent 3lb rise in the handicap looks fair and manageable. With jockey Tom Marquand in the saddle and a perfect record under today’s conditions, he is the solid and reliable choice to uphold the form.
MAIN DANGER: #1 COEDANA
- Weight: 9-9
- OR: 88
- Rationale: This filly is the most exciting prospect in the race and the clear danger. She is described as “highly progressive” and has won her last two handicaps with consummate ease, suggesting she is well ahead of the handicapper. The NOTE-BOOK entry states, “She’s a progressive filly with more to give.” While she faces several unknowns—her first start over 1m 6f, her first run at Haydock, and a significant step up to Class 3—her untapped potential is immense. Her Official Rating has soared from 74 to 88, and if she continues on that upward curve, she will be very difficult to beat.
COURSE SPECIALIST (EACH-WAY): #3 IN THE BREEZE
- Weight: 9-10
- OR: 83
- Rationale: In The Breeze is a seasoned handicapper with an excellent record at this track, boasting two wins from four previous starts at Haydock. He returned to form with a decisive victory at Pontefract last month, where his trainer noted he “burst back to life to win handsomely.” He has won off this mark of 83 in the past and has proven his versatility on different ground types. His proven liking for the course makes him a strong candidate to hit the frame at a decent price.
Other Contenders Considered
- #2 Contacto: A consistent performer who was only a nose behind High Point over C&D last time. He clearly handles the track well (2 places from 3 starts) but needs to find a little extra to reverse that recent form.
- #8 Dino Bellagio: Comes here after an impressive front-running 5-length victory at Chester. However, that was a Class 5 race on heavy ground. He now faces a 6lb rise in the weights and a significant step up to Class 3, which makes this a much tougher assignment.
- #4 Skycutter: Very difficult to recommend. His return to the flat last month saw him beaten by 57 lengths, and his current form in this sphere is a major question mark despite being on a workable handicap mark.
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