Flat Racing - Fri 14th Oct

[Cowan]

Haydock 5.20 - Opus Maximus (5.00 BOG) & Maz (11.00 BOG) A few horses contesting this race have not been on the flat turf handicap circuit recently. Some coming from AW, others entered into claimers, older horses falling through the ranks, and a couple of newcomers. The pace here should be quick and we will likely see a pace battle. Maggie Mey, Georgebernardshaw, and Horatio Carter will want the lead at some stage in the race, and most of the others will keep the pressure on them to do so. I'll side with the back-markers on this occassion. Opus Maximus is a 6yo veteran and a former class 2 animal and used to be owned by Mark Johnston before being picked up by a new trainer at the start of the season. The trainer states that Opus Maximus has been bought to contest races at the lower levels, presumably to see out its career with a few more bucks for its retirement. Has raced mainly in sellers and claimers since then which is a worry - but has been doing well, and came 2/16 by a head when contesting a handicap 2 runs ago. The mark has come down 18lbs since last season and is ridden by Sophie Doyle (3lb) who has come 2nd and 1st on this horse in its last two runs. A classy animal with a powerful turn of foot and well in at the weights. Maz is owned and trainer by Alan Bailey, who picked up a group 1 prize recently at Ascot. I like to see owner/trainer horses because you know that he is entering the horse into races with his own money, and not following the whims of an over-eager owner. Maz is 3yo and has races 4 times leaving her unexposed in this race where she is bottom weight with a 3lb bug onboard. The trainer obviously thinks highly of this one having had Spencer ride her. The truest sign of the animals ability came in its last run when coming 4/12 in a race that was unsuited to its running style. Another horse that looks in at the weights and could have more than enough class. Having selected nothing but favourites recently I was delighted to see a forecast of 10/1 for Opus Maximus, but is currently shaping up as favourite for tomorrow. I'm selecting horses a day early now in order to grab some tasty morning prices before they steam!

[Aidymac]

Re: Flat Racing - Fri 14th Oct Opus Maximus - Haydock 5:20 This horse has a huge chance today. Has run twice at Haydock before and its last run here was a 3rd placed finish off a mark of 86, and runs off a mark of 67 today, 19 pounds lower than that time in 2009 and is in winning form. Has won 3 times over a mile, and will like the heavy ground today as he won in heavy going last time out. Sophie Doyles record on the horse is 2 wins and 1 second from 3 runs, very impressive and Jennie Candlish had 3 winners yesterday and this is her only runner today. Must have a very big chance. WIN @ 9/2 Ladbrokes BOG