small fields today

6 meetings today, 5 of them on the flat, and it is obvious that the supply of runners for some categories is beginning to run dry, as there are some very small fields. The most valuable race of the day is the 3yo handicap over 1 3/4 miles at 17.20 CET at Haydock, but this has attracted a disappointing turnout of only 4 runners. It still looks quite tricky, but we select Alex My Boy (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), with the stable in top form; he was a very respectable 8th of 18 in a much hotter handicap at Royal Ascot. He shares top weight with Altaayil (Sir Michael Stoute/ Paul Hanagan), who is very promising but still a maiden, and the bottom weight Tiger Lilly (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton), from another stable in top form, could be the main danger. Fahey has several more chances here, and Foxy Clarets (George Chaloner) can follow up a recent Pontefract victory under a penalty at 16.20, while the same claimer rides Imshivalla at 17.50. That one also has prospects, but we prefer The Silver Kerbayaa (Jeremy Noseda/ William Buick); that trainer was totally out of form during the late spring, but his horses are running much better now.
There are even small fields in Ireland, and only 5 line up for the main event this evening at Leopardstown, a conditions race for 2yo´s at 19.20. They are all last-time-out winners, and in view of the stable´s fantastic form we have no hesitation in plumping for the very well-bred Toscanelli (Aidan O´Brien/ Seamus Heffernan). The maiden race over 1 3/4 miles which closes the card at 22.00 is also interesting; Ebazziyr (James Leavy/ Kevin Manning) and the mare Pink Hat (Willie Mullins/ Billy Lee) both have good bumper form and could fight this out between them.

Betting forecast Haydock:
1. Race: Ferryview Place - Watersmeet - Evervescent
2. Race: Dutch Connection - Faydhan - Shootingsta
3. Race: Dreams Of Reality - Foxy Clarets - Brother Tiger
4. Race: Epithet - Lieutenant Kaffee - Joshua Potman
5. Race: Altaayil - Tiger Lilly - Alex My Boy
6. Race: Burnt Fingers - Ejadah - Imshivalla
7. Race: Balducci - Chosen Character - Life Partner