Friday free racing tip: Course-distance winner can bounce back in competitive Haydock sprint

15:30 Haydock: Weatherbys Stallion Book Handicap (5 furlongs)

The clear early favourite is Sam England’s four-year-old, Trilby, who has three six-furlong successes under his belt this year, and proved he is no slouch over the minimum trip when coming runner-up to Vince L’Amour at York a week ago.

However, his short price holds little appeal in a race of this nature, and our eye is drawn more towards course-distance winner Secret Mistral, whose last outing at Chester a month ago can probably be excused as she was produced too early from an unsuitable draw.

The first three home that day were all rated between 85 and 90, so this 0-80 handicap should be more in her wheelhouse, and should help her rekindle the form that produced figures of 13224 prior to her last appearance.

The first three of those races were over this course and distance, so she clearly feels at home on this track, and it looks significant that she has been granted her first high-profile booking of the season in the shape of Hollie Doyle, who comes fresh from landing the final race on Southwell’s card on Thursday night. 

Trainer Tony Carroll was also in winning form on Thursday, having saddled My Genghis at Brighton, so his four-year-old filly looks to be a strong proposition and can easily bounce back here off a favourable mark of 71 and at decent each-way price. 

Suggested Bet: Secret Mistral each-way in the 15:30 at Haydock

• Tip and preview provided by David Xristo on Tipstrr