American Affair 15/2 (4pl) – Haydock 3.30
This is a quality Group 2 sprint, and you could easily give a chance to the vast majority of the horses who turn up. At an each-way price, I thought American Affair had a squeak if he was able to return to his best form of last year.
Jim Goldie works wonders with ageing horses, and American Affair has profited from that over the last couple of seasons. American Affair has shown that it is possible to graduate from handicaps to become a Group 1 sprinter in the UK. He managed to win at Royal Ascot last year in the King Charles III Group 1 race, and it looks like he is best suited off a fast pace.
With Jakajaro and Night Raider likely to front-run and set a fast pace, it could set it up for American Affair, as long as he doesn't get blocked by a wall of horses.
Align The Stars 6/1 (3pl) – Goodwood 4.20
It's easy to understand why Finalise is at the head of the market. She is lightly raced, hails from a powerful stable and is on a good handicap mark. However, it's her first start of the season, and she has flopped as a favourite on a couple of occasions.
Saffie Osborne is a great jockey and is picking up plenty of spare rides for trainers due to her being in form and good enough for Saturday racing. I think her ride on Align The Stars has a big chance in this race. This horse is on a good handicap mark, has course form and has been running well in 2026.
Cool Hoof Luke 9/1 (3pl) – Salisbury 7.15
I tipped up Cool Hoof Luke last time out in a Group 2 at York, and he ran no race whatsoever. Connections didn't give an explanation as to why he ran so badly, but he is making a quick turnaround, so he must have had an off day.
I want to give him one more chance, as I thought that his runs so far on the all-weather in 2026 were good efforts, and if he can get back to that level, he has a chance.
Ki Woo 5/1 (3pl) – Cartmel 3.55
I tipped up Ki Woo to a win at Haydock last season, and the main reason why I backed him that day was that he likes good ground and is unexposed as a stayer. I thought he won well that day, and Iron Bridge went and won since that race, so the form couldn't be that bad.
He didn't perform to the same level on his next run, but this looks like calmer waters, and the booking of Harry Skelton in the saddle is a noticeable one for the Josh Guerreiro & Oliver Greenall team.
GambleAware