The Punt Daily: Tom Collins's free racing tips on Monday

BANKER

Group Stage(8.50 Windsor)

I was shocked to see Alan King's son of Maxios open up second favourite as I thought he had clear favourite claims in the Windsor finale off his low weight of 8st 7lb. Following three runs in novice company where he showed little promise, Group Stage was gelded and had the winter off, and he looked to have improved dramatically with a fine second-place finish at Nottingham on his return behind a winner who has subsequently scored by five lengths. Raised 3lb for that run, Group Stage bumped into a good one at Newbury on his first try at 1m4f when last seen, but was nine lengths clear of the third and his mark has gone untouched by the handicapper. Both RPRs put up this season suggest he's well treated and provided he handles fast ground, he should be winning this.

EYECATCHER

(4.45 Worcester)

Pam Sly's son of Haafhd loves fast ground and looks primed to strike off a mark 4lb higher than when last successful thanks to some fine race planning by his trainer. This is a pretty weak 2m handicap hurdle and aside from Capitoul, from the in-form Richard Newland stable, and course specialist Hallings Comet, it is hard to see what will beat Haafapiece given he is highly likely to put in his best run of the season. Having won his sole start at this track when sprinting clear of six rivals last July, Haafapiece has found marks around 120 too hard to win off in recent times, but showed he was ready to enter the winner's enclosure again with a fine fourth-placed finish at Market Rasen last time out. The trip didn't suit him that day, though, and the return to 2m is a massive plus, as is the drop in grade.

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