The next few days will be relatively quiet as the focus shifts toward the Craven and Greenham meetings in 12 days’ time. There are no declared runners for this Saturday or Sunday.
Throughout April, our attention will center on the record of Haggas-trained favourites in 3yo-only Class 2, 3, and 4 handicaps. This has proven to be a highly profitable betting medium, with the market frequently indicating strong support for horses starting the season on low handicap marks.
Haggas 3yo Favourites in Class 2, 3, & 4 April Handicaps (Past 5 Years):
- Record: 8 Runs — 5 Winners, 2 Placed.
- Profit: Over £1,000 profit to a £100 level stake.
Extending this research to a 10-year sample still yields a 50% strike rate (7 winners from 14 runners) and maintains the level stakes profit of over £1,000 to a £100 stake. Of the seven beaten horses, four finished 2nd, one finished 3rd, and only two were unplaced. Those unplaced efforts include Sir William last year at Epsom—a track where the yard traditionally finds it tough—and Novaman, who ran below par in early 2017 before landing a “nice touch” when stepped up in trip at York that July.
We will highlight specific betting opportunities as entries are finalized toward the end of the week during the Aintree meeting. Until Thursday, entries are focused on maidens and novices; while none currently appeal as betting opportunities, they remain worth noting for the future.
Upcoming Entries:
- Kempton (Mon): Guesstimate, Creative Queen
- Wolverhampton (Mon): Caraway
- Pontefract (Tue): Romanticizing
- Southwell (Tue): Cerelia, Shadida
- Nottingham (Wed): Infraad
- Catterick (Wed): Weffaag, Keep it Classic
- Kempton (Wed): Romanticizing
- Southwell (Thu): Creative Queen
Infraad is currently the most interesting from a future betting perspective.
Review: Weeks 1 & 2
With 20pts profit secured from four backed horses, it has been a clinical start to the season.
First Principle: 2pt Win (Won 7/2 into 11/4) & 0.5pt EW (Unplaced 14/1) After winning under an excellent Tom Marquand ride at Wolverhampton, our doubts regarding the stiff mile on Newcastle’s straight course were confirmed. Despite a strong pace and plenty of cover, he failed to settle. While we secured a good profit from this gelding, his running style and current mark make him one to “avoid” for the immediate future, even if he turns up at a turning track like Chester.
Eternal Force: 2pt E/W (7th at 6/1 into 4/1) Though disappointing in the Lincoln, I believe the drying ground was the sole reason he missed the frame. He remains a strong selection for any 1m handicap on genuine soft ground; he stays at the top of my “horses to follow” list under those specific conditions.
Wiltshire: 1pt Win, 0.5pt Place (20/1 into 7/1) The exhilarating AW Sprint Final victory on Friday was an early-season highlight and our first successful “long-term plot.” He now faces a choice: carrying a 5lb penalty in the 6f Heritage Handicap at Newmarket in May, or waiting for a valuable Class 2 back at Newcastle. He remains of significant betting interest.
Dramatic Star: 2pt Win, 1pt Place (10/1 into 11/4) + 0.5pt E/W Double with Wiltshire It was frustrating to see Dramatic Star fail to land the recommended 230/1 double after his “no-show” at Newcastle. He was the stable’s most fancied runner on Friday, and while being held up 15 lengths off the pace didn’t help, he has run out of excuses for me. Friday was his ‘big day’ and he failed to fire. While the “Haggas magic” will likely see him win again, he has the look of a “cliff horse,” and I will be leaving him alone in his next few outings.
Summary: Two winners from five bets across four horses puts us 20pts up. It is an excellent start as we move into the heart of the season in ebullient mood.
REFA Hag Tag 2026
Chrysalis Consortium 
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