Green Shoots on the Sand

It’s been a long winter for William Haggas followers with just a single victory in 2026. That has largely been expected and will have no bearing on the fast approaching Turf season.

I am anticipating at least 3 significant gambles beginning at Doncaster and although the start of April will remain relatively quiet I would anticipate the normal strike rate of Somerville Lodge to be over 25% and higher from the off.

Our first bet of the month will be on First Principle, who was unusually for Haggas, a late declaration for the Class 3 Handicap over 1m+ at Wolverhampton on Friday.

The 4yo’s participation in this valuable contest is almost certainly instead of a run in the Lincoln, on Saturday week and it is a tip that has to be taken.

Confidence, has to be tempered by a draw in stall 10 which will require Tom Marquand to get a position sitting off what looks certain to be a strong pace and he will need to achieve this without firing up the gelding who has a habit of pulling to hard in the early stages of his races.

Hollie Doyle, will almost certainly from stall 3, make the pace on Advancing alongside the Irish raider Exquisite Acclaim in 1, which should allow Marquand to get across and sit behind the pace in pole position no more than two wide.

If the race plays to this scenario, then Marquand should be poised to challenge off the final bend and prove to be too well handicapped for this Class 3 field and then progress to be highly competitive in further good quality races on the Turf as the season pans out.

The form of his run behind The Lost King, over course and distance, where he finished in front of La Botte, represents the best on offer, especially as Cieren Fallon was left with no option but to make the running. He looks sure to improve for the race and providing Marquand can get a decent position out of the gate, he should take care of these well exposed rivals on what will be only his eighth career start.

The bookmakers will not take any chances, as they will be waiting for the Haggas bandwagon to roll – the early price off 7/2-10/3 is not generous but is just about good enough to get the season underway with a winner.

2pt Win Bet First Principle 7.00 Wolverhampton Friday.