Breath set to return with Temple victory at Haydock

By Stephen, bettingexpert.com | Published 00:01 26.05.2012

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Roger Charlton has made a fantastic start to the turf season and his high class sprinter Bated Breath is selected to land the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock.

The 5-y-o made gradual progress at the highest level last season, winning twice before finishing second to Dream Ahead in the July Cup and Betfred Sprint (touched off by a nose in the latter). He has never won at the minimum trip, but shaped well from a poor draw on his sole attempt at 5f and has an excellent course record at this flat track. A 167 day absence is no concern and he can swoop late on under new pilot George Baker.

Main danger for the £80,000 prize money comes from Irish raider Sole Power. Edward Lynam's money-spinner is top class on his day, as he showed when winning the 5f Nunthorpe Stakes in 2010 and this event last year. He shaped as though in top form when a close runner-up in Group 1 at Meydan last time and a bold bid is anticipated under Paul Hanagan.

Tangerine Trees is a prolific winner with superb early pace that is very effective on these flat, speed orientated tracks. He showed further marked improvement in 2011, notably when winning Prix de l'Abbaye on his final outing, and won first time out last term so a 237 day absence need not be a negative. However, he has to give weight away all round with his Group 1 penalty and the Bryan Smart yard have yet to hit their stride after the wet winter.

Masamah is another frontrunner who seems sure to mix a rapid pace up front. He progressed from quality handicaps to land a valuable Group 2 at Glorious Goodwood last summer, and was a good second to Deacon Blues in at Newbury on his penultimate run. It will be very hard to dominate this field and he may tire in the closing stages on this first run in eight months.

Globetrotting Monsieur Joe will certainly not lack for race fitness having already raced six times this season. The 5-y-o has looked better than ever for Robert Cowell this term, winning a red hot handicap at Meydan before finishing placed in a Group 1 there. He just failed at Longchamp last time and is versatile tactically so is sure to be thereabouts under Pat Cosgrave.

Bapak Chinta created a terrific impression as a juvenile, landing a gamble on his Hamilton debut before winning the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. On a negative side he seemed amiss in the Middle Park after a long mid-season absence and may struggle to get involved upped further in class with his elders this afternoon.

Veteran Borderlescott seems past his best after failing to fire in three lesser races this season, while Elusivity needs to build on a career-best third in a muddling contest at Newmarket three weeks ago.

In summary, a fantastic renewal of this Group 2 prize is sure to be run at a breakneck gallop. Bated Breath should have it teed up nicely and can pounce late on as the trailblazers falter. At around 4-1 this morning he is suggested as a maximum each-way investment to continue his astute handlers brilliant start to the new turf season.

Stephen's Saturday Nap Mandy Lexi 2.25 Chester

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