Haydock 2:33 Result

This looks a competitive nursery but Keep Grating's form line (63212) shows a horse progressing nicely and finding the frame consistently, culminating in a good second last time out just 15 days ago - fresh enough to go again. Richard Hannon has a strong record with improving 2yos in nurseries and Joe Leavy takes the ride. The step up the weights (OR77) is modest given the trajectory, and the trip of 1m looks suitable given the form figures show he's handling stiffer tests as the season progresses. Noble Prince (Godolphin/Appleby) looks the market player on official figures (OR82) and has useful form (422), but he's wearing new headgear (blinkers) for the first time and has a 7lb claiming apprentice aboard - both slight question marks, and his solitary win was some way back. Thebesthasyetocome (318) is another with a leading rating but the '8' in that line is a concern and he needs the run after 36 days off. Girl Scout (531) is interesting on a good sire (Perfect Power) but the yard's fillies can sometimes need more experience, and she's up against the boys here. Overall this is open, but Keep Grating's consistent, career-best trajectory and the in-form Hannon yard give the best combination of solid chance and unders-the-radar price relative to the OR82 favourite. He's the value angle in a competitive nursery.