Drop in trip could be key to handicapper on his second start for new trainer

Tom Collins
1.55 Haydock
Buy at 13 on the index

Changing trainers is not just about who is best. New eyes may see something different in a horse and tap into its potential that way.

It might be that it is not the skill of William Haggas that improves Tom Collins this year, but the observation that this gelding with a middle-distance pedigree is actually in need of shorter trips.

Tom Collins has a quick, scratchy stride, again in evidence on his debut for Haggas last time, and so there are no concerns about him dropping back from a mile to seven furlongs. He was already improving in his later days for David Elsworth and should keep on that path for new connections.

If that is the case, then he represents a good-value buy on the index. This is a strong 0-90 handicap, no more than that, and nothing like as competitive as the Thirsk Hunt Cup that Tom Collins contested last time.

The make-up of the index means that anything in the first three will represent a profit for Tom Collins' buyers. Even fourth would make for just a narrow loss. If the trip can unlock the best of him, we will hopefully not have to worry too much about the permutations among the minor places.

1.55 Haydock

Sporting (50-30-20-10): 13-16 Ffion, 12-15 Molls Memory, 11-14 Sunset Breeze, 10-13 Tom Collins, 9-12 Lincoln Park, 8-11 Cold Stare, 7-9 Raatea, 6-8 Lord Oberon, 5-7 Arafi, Stone Soldier, Silver Samurai, 3-5 Redarna, Gabrial The Devil.

Match bet: Tom Collins/Lincoln Park 0-1.

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