Yet more Haydock races round off the month on Saturday, 31 May with the John Of Gaunt Stakes one of a couple of Group 3s on the card. This brings a busy few weeks for the Merseyside venue to a close.
As Group 3 contests go, the John Of Gaunt over 7f promises much. Audience and Kinross are both familiar names to fans of Flat racing with the pair among a dozen runners for the feature event. Supporting it, meanwhile, is the Lester Piggott Stakes for fillies and mares. Formerly the Pinnacle Stakes, this acts as trial over the same course and distance for July’s Lancashire Oaks.
In addition to that mile-and-a-half race for females, there’s a Listed sprint in the Achilles Stakes over the flying 5f. Don’t forget about some decent handicaps either, especially with the Old Newton Cup still to come here at Haydock later in the summer. Plenty of pointers towards that and the Old Borough Cup in early autumn could reveal themselves.
Analysing it all are our experts. They sift through the form and prices on horse racing betting sites, looking for fancies at good odds. Read their thoughts on the best of the action from this intriguing card that looks informative for the future.
Haydock Races Preview for 31 May Card
1:13 – 1m 4f Class 2 Handicap (0-105)
Almosh’her’s turf debut is a winning one and wins the @SkyBet Race To The Ebor Jorvik Handicap – it was close on the line with Stressfree a close second@CliffordleexLee | @karl_burke pic.twitter.com/FH6gxtAjzr
— York Racecourse (@yorkracecourse) May 14, 2025
Making his reappearance, meanwhile, is Juddmonte’s lightly-raced Shader. Both he and King Power Racing runner Fox Journey, who has joined Kevin Ryan should strip fitter for the outing. Old rivals Steel Tiger and Kildare Legend take each other on again, but this time on turf rather than the All-Weather.
In-form Jim Goldie veteran Faylaq could find completing a hat-trick away from Hamilton Park tricky, meanwhile. Ed Bethell’s Chillingham wants conditions the slow side of good, but now has his lowest mark in two years. The other King Power entrant Lieber Power isn’t out of this either on the pick of his form.
1:48 – 6f Class 3 Handicap (0-95)
Cases can be made for over half the field, however. Also respected are previous course and distance winners Trilby and Grant Wood. Both should go well from the foot of the weights, although just 9lb separates top and bottom. First-time cheekpieces need to spark a revival in topweight Sergeant Wilko, meanwhile. Pals Battalion has gone close the last twice.
Durham Castle won his two most recent outings at the end of last season, yet concedes race fitness to most of the runners. Kodi Lion has a high draw, but still looks open to more improvement for Mick Appleby. Three veterans who have done well here in the past run too. Old favourites Dakota Gold, Kings Lynn and Woven receive honourable mentions’.
2:23 – Listed 5f Achilles Stakes
Most interesting is SEVEN QUESTIONS for new trainer Robert Cowell. Third in last season’s Group 2 Temple Stakes over course and distance, he finished ahead of No Half Measures when seventh in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket. Seven Questions is is better than that and could cash in on this ease in grade, so looks a good each-way bet with that run now under his belt.
Jasour, who goes well fresh, is a big danger but lacks a recent run. So too does Leovanni for big spenders Wathnan Racing, who book Buick as in the first race. A couple more four-year-olds on the up and potential capable of proving what they say about this division right, meanwhile, are Shagraan and Ed Walker filly Balmoral Lady.
2:58 – 1m 4f Group 3 Lester Piggott Stakes
Listed Goodwood winner Shaha takes the next logical step up in grade and distance for the Gosdens after an authoritative victory over 1m 2f. There’s no obvious reason why re-opposing sixth Chorus should turn the tables here. The way in which BEAUTIFUL LOVE shaped when beaten just a length and fourth at the Breeders’ Cup sticks out, however.
Going up in trip to a mile-and-a-half on a more galloping track could be ideal for the Godolphin mare. Charlie Appleby’s charge came from out of the pack to chase home See The Fire in the Group 2 Middleton at York earlier in the month. Gong over a longer distance can only help Beautiful Love, based on how she shaped on the Knavesmire.
3:33 – 7f Group 3 John Of Gaunt Stakes
🏇 Alyanaabi justifies favouritism which an impressive victory in the Listed Pertemps Network Spring Trophy Stakes for Jim Crowley and Owen Burrows 👏 pic.twitter.com/p01CSsQDwJ
— Haydock Park Races (@haydockraces) May 10, 2025
Alyanaabi is thus a fitter horse than the two big names. He also comes out ahead of Kinross when adjusting official ratings to factor in weight carried. Audience doesn’t always find much when headed and could have competition for the lead here. This specialists’ trip could be optimum for Alyanaabi, meanwhile, and he looks the percentage call.
As for the others, four more haven’t had a run this season. If the race doesn’t go to one of the three rated above 112, then it will take a massive career best from something else in the field. Spycatcher is closest too them on official figures on 111, but past evidence suggests 7f is too far for him.
4:08 – 7f Class 3 Fillies’ Handicap (0-90)
Jim Goldie brings a strong hand to Haydock races with MOSTAR DREAMS and ROCK MELODY. Both have chances with the former a last time out scorer. Mostar Dreams has a 9lb hike for her Carlisle success, but clearly returned in excellent form this season. The case for Rock Melody surrounds being an eye-catching outside ride for Buick.
She was also denied a clear run repeatedly when fourth at Musselburgh. Granted a clear run for Rock Melody and continuing improvement from Mostar Dreams, both can have a say in the finish. Also catching the eye last time was Brian Ellison’s Callianassa when running on late into sixth over course and distance. Oisin Murphy now takes the ride.
Elsewhere, Ralph Beckett’s three-year-old Sea To Sky is interesting on handicap debut on the pick of her juvenile form. Placed in Listed company, she earlier chased home 1000 Guineas second Flight. Also worth considering from the younger generation here are David Simcock’s Arabian Leopard and Bethell runner Oolong Poobong.
