Can course specialist Safe Voyage give John Quinn another big winner?

3.30 Haydock
Betway John of Gaunt Stakes (Group 3) | 7f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

John Quinn heads to Haydock in search of more big-race success as Safe Voyage defends his crown in the Betway John of Gaunt Stakes.

Quinn landed the Group 2 Temple Stakes at the track last week with Liberty Beach and bids to repeat the trick with Safe Voyage, who won the last running of this Group 3 in 2019 under Jason Hart.

The eight-year-old has won four times from five starts at Haydock – he finished a neck behind Space Blues in the 2020 Spring Trophy – and was last seen contesting the Lockinge Stakes this month.

His love of the track has not prevented Quinn from campaigning him abroad and Safe Voyage finished third in the last year's Prix de la Foret at Longchamp before ending his season at the Breeders' Cup.

"He loves Haydock," said Quinn. "He's got to carry a 5lb penalty but we've been pleased with him this week and we expect him to run well. He's good going round a bend, particularly a left-handed one like this, so let's hope he can win the race for a second time."

What they say

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Brad The Brief
He is best suited by soft ground and has been incredibly well at home. We're trying him over seven furlongs for the second time and he should get a bit of a breather going around the bend.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Glorious Journey
Glorious Journey's preparation has gone well and this is the perfect trip for him. He ran very creditably in Dubai and Saudi Arabia over the winter and the conditions should suit. If he can replicate some of his Dubai form, it should put him bang there in the finish.

Clive Cox, trainer of River Nymph
He won the Victoria Cup at Ascot last time and came out of the race well. This is a big step up in class but he'll appreciate the ground conditions if doesn't dry out too much and should handle the track.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Toro Strike
He's in good form and as you can imagine the ground is going to be desperate everywhere. He produced a good comeback run at Thirsk last time. If he can continue to progress like he did last year and copes with the ground, he must run well.

William Haggas, trainer of With Thanks
I hope she'll enjoy the ground, but she will need her first run. I'm trying to get her to Ascot for the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, but she's done well so far and is very genuine. She's much better than last year and much stronger.

Adam Ryan, assistant trainer of Queen Jo Jo
She's a Listed and Group 3 winner and she's placed in a Group 2. It would be nice to get some more black type. She had form last year over six and seven and we think she'll come on for the Duke of York and might just appreciate the step back up in trip.

Read more on Saturday's racing:

Quinn could be mighty at Haydock again thanks to Safe Voyage and El Astronaute (Members' Club)

Beverley is set to get racy as thrilled Jilly Cooper bids for debut triumph (Members' Club)

'He's not reached his ceiling' – Jason Weaver's leading Saturday fancy (Members' Club)

2.00 Beverley: 'You couldn't back her after that first run but she's certainly got ability'

2.20 Haydock: 'There are no worries' – El Astronaute ready for launch again in Achilles Stakes

2.25 Punchestown: Willie Mullins holds strong claims with Bapaume and Bleu Berry

2.40 Chester: what is it about Boardman that impressed our handicappers so much?

2.55 Haydock: who will peak in the Pinnacle Stakes? Get the lowdown from Tom Collins

3.10 Beverley: 'He's quite a nice animal' – Tipperary Sunset bids to live up to tall reputation

3.30 Haydock: Keith Melrose assesses who could prove a seven-furlong star in John of Gaunt (Members' Club)

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