'He's been crying out for the trip and everything should be perfect' - which trainer is bullish about his chances?

Hat-trick-seeking pair Cumulonimbus and Sheer Rocks are plausible candidates towards the head of the betting.

Cumulonimbus is progressive, but has been flattered recently. He was given a freebie on the front end in two slowly run smaller-field 1m4f handicaps and is unlikely to encounter such a favourable set-up off a career-high mark against a few who like to sit prominently. 

The four-year-old arguably still needs to prove he stays 1m4f in a truly run race, whereas Sheer Rocks, who arrives after an impressive eased-down Epsom success, thrives over this distance. There is a sense we are yet to get to the bottom of Sheer Rocks, who has turned a corner since being gelded, and a 7lb rise for his two recent victories compares favourably with the 8lb rise Cumulonimbus has endured. 

Maksud was backed off the boards in the Duke of Edinburgh last time and is another who could shorten. Although only 12th of 18 there, Maksud sat too close to a savage pace and did not fade out of proceedings in a manner befitting a 2lb drop in the weights. 

His three-year-old form stacks up, particularly his Glorious Goodwood handicap second to Great Voltigeur runner-up Secret State off similar terms. Five subsequent winners have emerged from that race behind the first two.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Dalgleish hoping for Sunshine end to career

Keith Dalgleish returns to a track where he has had notable success as he ends nearly a quarter of a century in racing today.

It was at Haydock that he gained one of the last Listed wins of his riding career on Gateman nearly 20 years ago, and it was also here that he landed his second biggest prize as a trainer with Taxmeifyoucan in a valuable handicap in 2017.

They were among more than 1,300 winners he has had in the two jobs combined and there is a chance he could end his time in the sport with one last big payday in the £150,000 bet365 Old Newton Cup.

His runner, Alright Sunshine, owned by long-standing supporter Richard Gilbert, won his sixth Flat race in this month last year and should be all the better for his reappearance effort at Royal Ascot, where he showed prominently for a long way.

Dalgleish, 40 and a man who has broken the record for most winners in a Flat season by a Scottish-based trainer five times, said: "I hope he'll run well in a competitive race.

"People keep saying it will be a sad day but I don't feel sad. It's strange that such a big thing is being made of this, people change jobs all the time."

What they say

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Maksud
He's a lovely horse and he'll win a big handicap one day. The way the race was run at Royal Ascot last time, being drawn on the outside was a death knell. If things pan out tomorrow, he'll go very close.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Sir Rumi
I don’t think he stayed last time, so the drop back in trip will suit, and he’s been in pretty good form all season. The handicapper has got him right where he wants, but he’s consistent and has a solid each-way shout.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Cumulonimbus
He's run twice at Haydock and won both times. This was the obvious place to come; 12 furlongs round there suits him and he has the best Haydock jockey in Richard Kingscote. It's a big step up in grade, but he warrants it and we're looking forward to seeing how he gets on. He's in great order.

Tom Palin, partner in Middleham Park Racing, owners of Nolton Cross
Neil Callan is in great form but he'll really have to work his magic to win from that draw. The horse put it all together at Ayr last time. The key to him is a flat track and he should be suited by Haydock.

Roger Fell, joint trainer of Toshizou
He should go really well. It's quite a hot race but he's been crying out for the trip and everything should be perfect for him.

Mick Appleby, trainer of Howth
He's up against it a bit but he's been going well. I hope he'll stay the mile and a half.
Reporting by David Carr

Saturday previews:

1.50 Sandown: 'A stiff five furlongs could suit him best' - insight and analysis as speedsters prepare for Coral Charge   

2.25 Sandown: 'He's on a mark he can win off' - trainer quotes and analysis for ultra-competitive handicap   

2.40 Haydock: Can Mimikyu make it ten Lancashire Oaks wins for the Gosden team?   

3.00 Sandown: 'She has a rock-solid chance' - smart fillies clash in Coral Distaff   

3.40 Sandown: Paddington v Emily Upjohn: O'Brien and Gosden on their stars as generations clash in 'elite' Coral-Eclipse   

3.55 Saint-Cloud: 'It's a lovely opportunity for him' - Westover bids for second Group 1 win in Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud   

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