Paul Kealy analyses the Pinnacle Stakes as Fanny Logan returns to action

2.05 Haydock
Betway Pinnacle Stakes (Group 3) | 1m3½f | 4yo+ fillies and mares | ITV/RTV

An intriguing little contest in which winning machine Fanny Logan attempts to give 3lb to her five rivals.

John Gosden's four-year-old won five of her eight starts last term, rattling off a hat-trick in Listed races in the summer and adding a Group 3 at Newmarket in October before a highly creditable fourth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita the following month.

That Group 3 success means she is penalised, so it is not straightforward with Ralph Beckett's Manuela De Vega coming out slightly better at the weights.

However, while Fanny Logan has no problem getting her head in front, that proved beyond Manuela De Vega last year as she finished second nearly as many times as her market rival won.

Two of her four runner-up spots came in Group company, though, including a top-level contest at Munich on her final start, where she was inched out by only a neck. Another of her seconds came in the Listed Cheshire Oaks, in which she was well beaten by Gosden's Mehdaayih but was a length in front of third-placed Fanny Logan when conceding her 3lb. She is 6lb better off here.

Both fillies seem fine on any ground, so whatever the elements throw at them, it should be close if they are both fit and ready.

Sir Michael Stoute's Vivionn improved with every run as a three-year-old and is not far behind on the figures, so should not be dismissed, although she has yet to encounter an easy surface, which may prevail given the forecast.

Shailene was tough and consistent last term, although her best form came in handicaps, while Bella Vita and Lady Of Shalott both need a big step up.

Paul Kealy, tipster

What the stats say

Three of the last four favourites have been successful in this race. True Self, the only one not to win, finished second in 2019.

Andrew Balding: runners are worth following at HaydockCredit: Edward Whitaker

Andrew Balding, trainer of Shailene, has a 21 per cent strike-rate with horses aged four and over at Haydock in the past few seasons. Vivionn's trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, has just a five per cent strike-rate.

What the trainers say

John Gosden, trainer of Fanny Logan
She has a 3lb penalty to carry but is among a number of our fillies who have been ready to run for some time.

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Bella Vita
She's in great form and this looks a very good starting point for her. It looks a good little race, so we'll find out where we are with her. The conditions will be fine for her and we're looking forward to it.

Place a bet of £1 or more on any UK race through the Racing Post app to watch it live. Click the red icon at the top of the racecard when it's due to start to watch the full race