The defeat and performance of Crown of Oaks at 1/3 on at Redcar on Monday has led to suggestions that all is not well in the Haggas yard, i am certain this is not the case.
The strike rate which was running at over 30% a fortnight ago has dropped to around 12% but this is nothing out of the ordinary I recall on three occasions in 2024 the yard had this sort of spell.
Basically they will go through periods, especially leading up to big festivals where a vast majority of their runners are being given time and experience in preparation for their long term future.
Of course it can be the case that after having two or three runs they have minimal ability and get targeted for lower grade handicaps. It is better to find out without the horses being over phased, which can often sour them for the rest of their careers.
The yard has 10 runners on Thursday and Friday and i will be surprised if more than a couple win and in terms of betting there is only one i am interested in.
I will go through them in the timeline they will run.
Thursday
3.10 Yarmouth Showering – Likely to be near the head of the market he runs here instead of his highly touted stable mate Almeraq who has also been taken out of the Commonwealth Cup.
First time out as a 3yo you all know we won’t back him i don’t think he will beat Miss Cortesian anyway, who will likely be odds on.
3.30 Lingfield Silver Chamber. Hasn’t really shown enough promise on her first two outings to suggest she can win what has turned into a hot fillies maiden. 3rd run and then handicapping.
4.00 Lingfield Headmaster First time out watch and note.
4.10 Yarmouth Sharp Move. First time out watch and note.
8.20 Carlisle The Kings Falcon Owned by the King – will be well fancied and probably well backed – but i got the impression that he didn’t go through with his effort at Epsom and i don’t trust him. ( the horse not the king! )There goes my knighthood.
Friday
2.55 Chepstow Noble Horizon This is the horse from the yard i will consider backing, Haggas has a very good record at the track it looks a half decent maiden, which hopefully will enable us to get a decent price. I will update on Thursday. The 3yo colt has been beaten by two potential Group horses in Bedouin Prince and Bowmark and was very well backed in both races. A win on Friday won’t damage his handicap mark.
6.05 Haydock Valiancy didn’t show enough promise on debut too suggest he can win this although its not the strongest maiden and the 12f trip will help.
6.40 Haydock Brotherhood of Man is the second 2yo to appear from the yard this season also owned by the King out of a mare that was owned by the late Queen. Watch and Note – but also look out for a potential very useful Godolphin debutant Commanding Officer
7.50 Haydock Carmichael and Fan Club both having first runs of 2025.Watch and note for the future.
Russ Diary of a Season
Chrysalis Consortium 
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