'I don't know how good he is' - Oliver Sherwood in the dark over Little Awkward

Saturday: 2.05 Haydock
Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle | 2m3f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Focusing on well-treated runners is a quintessential element of handicap punting, although in some cases it's easier to find those who are in the grip of the handicapper rather than singling out the one Graded horse against exposed opposition.

That's certainly the case in this 2m3f contest, in which several lightly raced and well-connected young talents face off against a handful of veterans. The market is dominated by four hurdlers who are yet to reach their peak, three of which are returning from long absences and therefore have fitness to prove.

Stellar Magic, who beat the now 141-rated Pay The Piper on his sole Irish point-to-point start before switching to Philip Hobbs' yard, may well be the most exciting of that trio. The dual Taunton scorer lost his unbeaten record when last seen 306 days ago and is now on a recovery mission as he returns to action.

A fractured bone in his knee was the diagnosis for his Warwick defeat – a pretty valid excuse by all means – and prior victories suggest his opening mark of 133 is lenient. Victory here would get his career back on track with a bang.

The Dan Skelton-trained Boss Man Fred, who beat recent Becher Chase winner Snow Leopardess in a Doncaster maiden hurdle in December 2019, disappointed on his two most recent starts and now has plenty to prove as he drops in trip after a 440-day layoff.

Oliver Sherwood chose to give Little Awkward, a two-time winner from four runs, a wind operation in the autumn. Both he and Boss Man Fred could be chucked in off their marks, but come with risks attached.

Punters may come down on the side of Mackelduff, who is perhaps the safest play of the unexposed quartet after backing up two victories with a creditable third in a competitive Cheltenham handicap hurdle last month.

Mackelduff posted a career-best effort behind Gowel Road, but his progression curve isn't as steep as his aforementioned rivals and he may find one or two too good.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

Mackelduff set for Lanzarote prep

On a day when red-hot trainer Olly Murphy has three live chances in the ITV4 races, Mackelduff might prove to be the pick of the lot.

While Long Walk contender Thomas Darby and Tommy Whittle-bound Calipso Collonges target the bigger prizes, Mackelduff bids for a third win in four starts this season for a trainer who has racked up 41 victories since the start of October.

The progressive hurdler, joint-owned by former football Tommy Elphick, is likely to be a warm order for a race that could prove a springboard to next month's £100,000 Coral Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton.

"I'd have loved the race to be over another furlong, but the long straight there will suit," said Murphy.

"He's going to go to the Lanzarote after this and in time I think he's going to be a lot better than his mark."

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Soul Emotion and Boss Man Fred
Soul Emotion has had a long time off and while I've done a load of work with him, you'd have to think he'll sharpen up for the run. Boss Man Fred is smart, but I feel a bit the same about him as he's had a bit of time since his last run. I've done loads with him, but he's a big, heavy horse who will sharpen up for the run.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Stellar Magic
He has not run for a long time but the very soft ground at Haydock shouldn't be a problem. He's got an each-way chance.

Jimmy Moffatt, trainer of Minella Charmer
He has a good record fresh and wants soft ground, so I'd be hopeful. It's a pretty warm race but I think he's off a nice mark. He has good form at the course as well.

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Up For Parol
He didn't really take a cut at his fences on his chase debut last time and we're coming back to hurdles. He's on a workable mark and the course and distance should be ideal for him.

Oliver Sherwood, trainer of Little Awkward
He had a little hiccup, so that's why he's having his first start of the season here. He's quite difficult to place and is a little inexperienced, but he's in great form and is ready to roll. He'll like the track and ground. I don't know how good he is, but we'll find out.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Ascot: has the handicapper given 'frustrating' Palmers Hill a winning chance?

2.25 Ascot: trainer insight on Thyme Hill, Paisley Park, Ronald Pump and more

2.40 Haydock: 'Unfortunate' Ladbrokes Trophy faller Remastered gets shot at redemption

3.00 Ascot: 'He comes alive here' – veteran Regal Encore back for more at favourite track

3.35 Ascot: 'He's got a real chance' – analysis and key quotes for valuable handicap hurdle

Navan: Champion Bumper favourite American Mike bids to join illustrious roll of honour

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