A typically deep Temple Stakes with several established Group sprinters meeting a handful of progressive types. Haydock’s straight 5f can favour those able to travel prominently when the ground eases, and on good to soft the emphasis often shifts slightly away from raw speed towards balance and finishing power. Pace looks strong with Night Raider, Jakajaro, Frost At Dawn and possibly American Affair all happiest forcing matters. That should ensure a genuinely run Group sprint.

Draw-wise, Haydock’s straight course can split into groups depending on where the pace develops. Early indications suggest the middle-to-high numbers may have the stronger pace to tow them into it, although conditions are unlikely to produce a major bias unless rain alters the strip markedly before race time.

This is a race where proven Group sprint form and suitability to testing 5f conditions should carry slightly more weight than pure ratings. Early-season sharpness also matters greatly in elite sprints.

Main Contenders

Night Raider – 8.5/10
A strong Palace House winner who looked transformed by gelding surgery. His pace profile suits Haydock well and Clifford Lee will likely attempt to dominate again. The key positives are proven Group 1 competitiveness and tactical speed. Slight concern is whether he gets an uncontested lead with several pace rivals nearby. Good to firm suited ideally at Newmarket but he has enough substance in his profile to handle easier ground. Proven class horse.

Shagraan – 8.5/10 p
Finished behind Night Raider at Newmarket but shaped like the one most likely to improve for the outing. Clive Cox has a fine record with sprinters and second start of the season could easily unlock another step forward. Effective on soft and good to firm, tactically versatile and still relatively lightly exposed at this level. Strong contender with fewer negatives than most.

Asfoora – 8/10
Dual Group 1-winning mare whose best form sets the standard. The Abbaye success on very soft removes ground concerns entirely. Newmarket comeback was underwhelming but she often improves significantly second run back. Carries a penalty and must concede weight, but class alone keeps her firmly in calculations. Oisin Murphy an obvious positive.

Jm Jungle – 7.5/10
Likeable and genuine Group sprinter who handles cut and shaped respectably on return. Haydock should suit and he stays a strong 5f thoroughly. However, he can find one or two too sharp at absolute top level unless the race becomes attritional late. Place claims again.

Mgheera – 7.5/10
Last year’s winner and highly effective at Haydock. Ground ideal and likely fitter for Longchamp reappearance. She often travels strongly but can need gaps late, so there is some hold-up risk in a large-field sprint. Strong each-way player.

Progressive / Promising Types

Getreadytorumble – 8/10 P
Possibly the most interesting horse in the race. Unexposed compared to most rivals and unlucky at Naas on return when denied a clear run. Looks physically and mentally progressive, handles ease in the ground and could still be improving into proper Group company. Draw 1 may not be ideal if the race develops centre-to-far side, but he has a serious chance if obtaining cover and gaps. One to watch closely in the market.

Jakajaro – 7.5/10 p
Thriving handicapper rapidly climbing the ladder. York win was visually impressive and he is clearly in peak form. However, this asks for another sizeable step into Group 2 company only nine days later. Front-running style ensures he will be involved for a long way. Dangerous if allowed any freedom.

First Instinct – 7/10 p
Interesting mare from the Haggas yard. Group 3 winner with useful Haydock form and should improve from Newmarket return. Drawn low which may complicate matters if the pace forms away from her. Capable of outrunning bigger odds.

Others

American Affair – 6.5/10
Royal Ascot Group 1 winner last season but York reappearance was poor. Quick turnaround suggests connections expect improvement, though this is a tough race to rebound in. More needed.

Frost At Dawn – 6/10
High-class on best 2025 form but Newmarket comeback was alarming. Cheekpieces added. Possible pace angle but has questions on slower ground.

Beautiful Diamond – 5.5/10
Useful Listed mare but vulnerable at this level unless conditions become very testing.

Khaadem – 4.5/10
Veteran with immense historical class but likely vulnerable over sharp 5f on easier ground now.

Argentine Tango – 3/10
Receives weight as a 3yo filly but this looks beyond her current level.

Race Shape / Pace Assessment

Strong early fractions appear assured. Night Raider and Jakajaro are natural aggressors, while Frost At Dawn and American Affair also prefer positive rides. That could slightly favour stalkers capable of finishing strongly in the final furlong, particularly if the ground rides slower than officially described.

Horses needing luck in running:

Mgheera

Getreadytorumble

First Instinct


Trainer Angles

Clive Cox excels with sprinters peaking second run back.

Karl Burke’s yard remains in excellent form with Night Raider and Beautiful Diamond.

Ed Walker won this race last year with Mgheera.


Private Tissue Estimate

Shagraan 5/1

Night Raider 11/2

Asfoora 13/2

Getreadytorumble 15/2

Mgheera 8/1

Jm Jungle 9/1

Jakajaro 10/1

First Instinct 12/1

American Affair 14/1

Frost At Dawn 16/1

Beautiful Diamond 25/1

Khaadem 40/1

Argentine Tango 66/1


Smart Play

Win Bet: Shagraan – looks poised for a career-best effort second start for Clive Cox, handles conditions well and has the profile of a sprinter still improving at Group level.

Saver / Each-Way: Getreadytorumble – the promising unexposed runner in the field. His Naas return suggested he may be capable of much better than current ratings imply, especially if the race collapses late off a strong pace.

Danger: Night Raider if securing a smooth lead without excessive pressure.