Richard Birch reckons unraced King Leo can get Haydock perm off to flyer

The Haydock Placepot starts with a two-year-old maiden (12.45) in which none of the eight runners have been seen on a racecourse before.

Educated guesswork is needed and I’ll side with King Leo, a John Gosden newcomer who looks bred to be above average, and March Law, whose trainer Mark Johnston’s juveniles are in terrific form.

Ajax Tavern created an excellent impression when powering to a three-and-a-quarter-length Lingfield debut success in December, and appeals as the sort to make an even better performer this summer.

He takes the eye in the 7f novice stakes (1.15), and I’ll include the other previous winner, Newbolt, as well.

Arctic Vega, a fluent winner on his Kempton debut, and the Gosden newcomer Lead Singer, are the two to focus on in division two (1.45).

The 7f handicap (2.15) looks wide open. Glen Force could prove a trademark Sir Mark Prescott improver now that he graduates to handicaps and goes up in trip.

Mountain Brave should also run a bold race under Silvestre de Sousa.

Eeh Bah Gum is a fascinating contender for the 5f handicap (2.45) if he is wound up for his reappearance and handles the ease underfoot.

He boasts stacks of early speed and could lead this field if breaking fluently. Course winner Jonah Jones, who is usually ridden more patiently, can do his best work in the closing stages.

Muscika will go well from the front in the 6f handicap (3.15).

Placepot selections

12.45
5 King Leo
6 March Law

1.15
1 Newbolt
2 Ajax Tavern

1.45
1 Arctic Vega
4 Lead Singer

2.15
5 Mountain Brave
7 Glen Force

2.45
3 Jonah Jones
5 Eeh Bah Gum

3.15
6 Muscika

Perm: 2x2x2x2x2x1 = 32 lines

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