Signposts: expect more Doyle magic on improving Magellan

Sir Michael Stoute has an impressive 63 per cent strike-rate at Carlisle. His only runner at the course is Hareeq (6.30), a son of New Approach who won over a mile on his debut and will be suited by the step up in trip.

James Doyle has a perfect 2-2 record on the Roger Charlton-trained Magellan and they bid for the hat-trick at Haydock (4.40). This improving four-year-old switches back to turf after two comfortable wins on the all-weather.

This is a prime time of year for trainer Mike Sowersby, who over the past five seasons has a 30 per cent strike-rate two weeks either side of today’s date. He saddles Simply Lucky at Sedgefield (2.00) and has enlisted Brian Hughes, who has a 30 per cent strike-rate when combining with the trainer at the course, to take the ride.