There is plenty of quality racing around the country today at Haydock, Ascot & Kempton. We concentrate on the Old Newton Cup at Haydock where the ground is good to firm!

Golden Flame has been well tipped up yesterday and little surprise such is his excellent record at Haydock (212). Earlier this season he set a very strong pace on the front end and was run down on the line by Valley Forge losing out by a head. That race was over two miles and if it had of been today’s trip, I have no doubt Golden Flame would have won. He failed to run up to the same level on his next few runs over different trips but bounced back to form finishing third at Ascot on Shergar Cup Day. Golden Flame should get his own way up front and that could prove vital over 1m6f, carrying 8-13 with Andrea Atzeni booked for the ride.

Island Brave won this race fighting back having been passed to win this race last season. He has been running fine this season and showed a return to form when fourth to Themaxwecan at Ascot over two miles hanging to his right up the straight. Island Brave is best at this trip of 1m6f and loves summer ground. Hopefully, Haydock misses the heavy showers about to give Island Brave a good shot at winning this race again off a 3lb lower mark along with another 5lbs thanks to his jockey Gina Mangan’s 5lb claim.

Of the rest I thought Charging Thunder is dangerous if bouncing back from a rare poor effort last time at York. Euchen Glen finishing strongly in the Ebor Handicap at York and despite his big weight is dangerous if the pace is strong up front.

Haydock 2:55

0.5 point each way Golden Flame 9/1 Betfair SB or Skybet, both paying 5 places.

0.5 point each way Island Brave 12/1 Skybet else 11/1 Betfair SB, both paying 5 places.

Compare Odds at https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/haydock/14:55/winner