Lightly raced hurdler looks capable of improving now stepped up in distance

Acey Milan
2.25 Haydock
Buy at 7 on index

This race will have been the aim for Acey Milan for some time and he is worth a chance to build on a promising reappearance at Plumpton.

Acey Milan was beaten three quarters of a length into second behind Dan McGrue in a 2m4½f handicap hurdle and the form was given a boost when third-placed Theo’s Charm was a clear second behind a well-handicapped winner at Lingfield on Tuesday.

Anthony Honeyball’s gelding will need to improve again, but that looks likely given it was his first run since May and the first time we have seen him since wind surgery.

Honeyball whacks on cheekpieces for the first time too and they may sharpen up his runner.

Acey Milan has long been thought the type to improve over this 3m½f trip by his trainer and he appeared to stay the distance well enough when finishing in midfield at the Punchestown festival in May.

The return to the distance will suit and Rex Dingle is good value for his 3lb claim.

2.25 Haydock

Sporting (50-30-20-10) 10-13 Lisnagar Oscar, Tedham, 9-12 Umbrigado, Highland Hunter, 7-9 Eight And Bob, 6-8 Flash The Steel, Ask Ben, Breaking Waves, 5-7 Stoney Mountain, Acey Milan, 4-6 Diomede Des Mottes, 3-5 Mega Yeats, Echiquier, Sirobbie, 2-4 Sykes, Liosduin Bhearna, 0.5-2 Potters Corner.

Match bet 0.75ch Lisnagar Oscar/Eight And Bob.