Aldaary out to make a winning return after a year off the track

John of Gaunt Stakes

3.35 Haydock, 7f Group 3

The contenders

Aldaary was progressive at the end of 2021 and had little difficulty completing a hattrick over course and distance last May. Quick ground and a lengthy absence are obvious concerns, but he is probably the best horse in this race.

Angel Bleu was a Group 1-winning juvenile and got back to winning ways here last month. Ralph Beckett’s four-year-old wouldn’t need much more to follow up.

The Astrologist adds some international interest. The

Australian-trained gelding won over this trip in December and was narrowly denied over 6f at Meydan in March. He looked in need of the run when seventh of ten in the Duke of York Stakes last month.

Just 12 months ago El Caballo landed a 6f Group 2 at this track. He would be a serious contender if back to that level, but Karl Burke’s colt has suffered huge defeats in two starts since.

Stablemate Spycatcher has produced two of his best efforts this season, but he is 0-6 in Group races.

Jumby is interesting. He often misses the break but a win in last season’s Hungerford Stakes shows he has the ability to figure in this company.

He finished behind The Wizard Of Eye when they were down the field in the Lockinge. Stan Moore’s colt was also well beaten by Angel Bleu here a week earlier.

Boardman and Gorak won handicaps on their latest starts but this requires a big step forward.

Race tactics

The Wizard Of Eye is the likeliest pacemaker.

Connections of hold-up horses Angel Bleu, Aldaary, Boardman and Spycatcher will be hoping he sets a decent pace because they can all be keen.

El Caballo was ridden up with the pace in his early races but hasn’t been able to go with the leaders in his last two starts.

Gorak and The Astrologist should race prominently.

Jumby has often blown his chance with slow starts.

Punting pointers

Aldaary is favourite but I couldn’t recommend backing him before Saturday because I’m not sure he’ll be risked on quick ground after more than a year on the sidelines.

Second favourite Angel Bleu would also ideally prefer a softer surface but he did run well enough on good to firm in the Sussex Stakes last year.

The 6-1 available for Australian raider The Astrologist won’t last if either of that pair come out.