Will it be Showtime once again for leading Sunday Series handler Grant Tuer?

Sunday: 4.45 Haydock
Sky Bet Sunday Series Sprint Handicap | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

When the Sunday Series was created last year the aim was to produce races with big competitive fields and there is little doubt that has been achieved here.

A maximum field of 17 goes to post for this 6f handicap, in which the runners are separated by a mere 8lb.

Given his success in the series last year and also in this particular race, it seems prudent to start with trainer Grant Tuer’s representative Showtime Mahomes.

The three-year-old went up 5lb for a decisive success in a 0-80 Sunday Series handicap at York in May when those behind him included future Royal Ascot winner Latin Lover and others who have performed well in good sprint handicaps through the summer.

Upped in grade, Showtime Mahomes has not performed on his last two starts, perhaps because of the opposition or perhaps because of the quicker ground. Either way, this race should be more to his liking in terms of the opposition and the easier underfoot conditions. It would be a surprise if he put in another below-par effort.

Grant Tuer: enjoyed a profitable Sunday Series last yearCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

With much of the pace seemingly focused on the centre of the track, it could prove a challenge for those drawn on the wings to get into the sort of position they might want to be at their most effective.

This could certainly prove to be the case for Asadjumeirah, who is drawn in stall one, and Desert Doctor, drawn near enough the opposite side of the course in stall 16.

Both have formlines that would make them of interest in this grade of race, especially with it likely to be run at a genuine gallop. However, they are in danger of finding themselves at a tactical disadvantage, which reduces their appeal for win purposes but still makes them worth considering for place purposes.

Of the others, the likes of Ballyare, Good Earth, Mister Bluebird and A Sure Welcome are exposed older horses in good form, but they hold few secrets from the handicapper.

Instead, Rambuso Creek, the other three-year-old in the contest aside from Showtime Mahomes, comes across as an obvious contender to step forward on what he has done so far. There is no reason on pedigree or running style, to suspect he cannot perform over 6f.

What they say

John Spearing, trainer of A Sure Welcome
He seems to be in good form and we're expecting a good run.

Heather Main, trainer of Mister Bluebird
He's not overly exposed and I'm not concerned by the drop back in trip. He's won over six furlongs and this is a nice race for him. He's pretty versatile with regards to ground and trip.

Charlie Johnston, joint-trainer of Toussarok
He's had a great summer, running consistently well. He ran a good race at Goodwood, but probably doesn't stay seven [furlongs] now and six is his ideal trip. He gives his running every time.

Michael Herrington, trainer of Good Earth
He's been a revelation for us. He's very straightforward and likes a stiff five [furlongs] or easy six. He seems to like fast ground and he'll follow the leaders and be there to pounce. I think he'll run a big race and has a strong each-way chance.

Jedd O'Keeffe, trainer of Devil's Angel
How he runs depends on how he gets on in the stalls. He's been having a few issues, once he gets in there he gets excited and we'll take a late load. Callum Shepherd has won on him before and the track, trip and ground will be fine for him.

Ed Walker, trainer of Desert Doctor
He needs a flat, level track and good ground. He's been a star and owes us nothing.

Kevin Philippart de Foy, trainer of Abu Malek
He had a long time off, but then ran a good race at Doncaster on his comeback. He didn't show anything last time, but he's been working well. He wouldn't want the ground too firm. We need a bit of cover, but he should run a nice race on his best form.

Grant Tuer, trainer of Showtime Mahomes
He's been a little disappointing on his last two runs, but he's had excuses. If everything goes right for him, I'd expect him to run well.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

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