Waiting with Bated Breath for a victory in Haydock’s big Temple

Consistency sears through the veins of Roger Charlton’s popular sprinter, yet, incredulously, he has yet to win a Group race.

The five-year-old entire could not have got much closer, however, as he was denied by a respective half a length and a nose in the Sprint Cup and the July Cup last season.

Dream Ahead was his nemesis on both occasions, but with that excellent animal now tucked away in the breeding sheds, Bated Breath can step from out of that one’s considerable shadow. Charlton’s inmate adores a brisk surface, which looks a fair shout given the forecast, and will have no problems reverting to the minimum trip at a galloping circuit like Haydock – even though he has done all of his winning over six furlongs.

The fact his trainer really could not be in better form merely adds credence to the claims of Bated Breath, whose reliable nature, allied to a touch of class, deserves to be rewarded with Group Two honours.

Gabrial could well be the solution to the Betfred Silver Bowl Handicap 30 minutes earlier.

Richard Fahey’s three-year-old was a luckless second over this trip at Chester’s May meeting, for which he has gone up just 2lb.

The Dark Angel colt has raced just five times and can rightly be considered one of Fahey’s big-hitters this year. He should also far be more suited to Haydock than when looking quite naive on the Roodee.

Fiorente can banish memories of a subdued seasonal debut at Newmarket by winning the 32Red Festival Stakes at Goodwood.

Goodwood’s other Listed event, the Southern Daily Echo Tapster Stakes, can go to stablemate Sea Moon.