Thomas Armstrong Group Haydock Park Training Series Apprentice Handicap Stakes (Apprentice Training Race - Part Of The Racing Excellence Series)

Winner two starts back and returning on a going and distance combination he has already encountered, Dream Harder looks primed on 28 days' rest and catches the eye with a speed rating of 80 backing his overall profile, though the fourth last time out keeps expectations measured.

Yellow Card has run over today's trip and going, and his rating edges above his official mark, making him a live each-way threat from a workable weight of 141 lb; the concern is that he has been winless in his last five starts, and that 56-day absence will need to be overcome on reappearance.

Gentle Warrior arrives here fresh after 34 days off, has experience of today's trip and going, and our rating puts him narrowly top of this field — though his recent record leaves him yet to win, and he will need to convert that promise at the weights carrying 140 lb.

Consistent without threatening at the top, Dance Time brings solid each-way form — third last time out and second two starts back — and has run over today's trip and going, though she remains winless in recent starts and her 139 lb burden is a stern ask.

Expressionless shaped with promise when third two starts back and has run over today's trip and going, while his rating of 74 puts him ahead of several rivals on these terms — the risk is that he remains winless in his last six starts and must prove he can convert that promise.