Sandy Lane Stakes Tips: Big Mojo Has The Moves

One of Haydock's key early season cards on the Flat takes place on Saturday afternoon as the Merseyside layout hosts a double helping of Group 2 action with the Sandy Lane Stakes and the Temple Stakes for sprinters.

The Sandy Lane Stakes goes to post at 15:00 on Saturday May 24th at Haydock, with coverage on ITV1 and Racing TV. Below you can find our expert in-depth analysis, predictions, and betting tips for the York event.

Sandy Lane Stakes Predictions

BIG MOJO won Ascot's Commonwealth Cup Trial last month in good style for Mick Appleby and can build on that here. He was a smart 2YO last season, winning the Molecomb at Glorious Goodwood and going close in the Flying Childers at Doncaster before a solid run at the Breeders' Cup in the US.

He really did last out the 6f strongly at Ascot despite pulling hard early on and he should have the speed to cope with the same trip on this less demanding track.

His Del Mar form ties in with Arizona Blaze, who finished ahead of him there, and Adrian Murray's Irish raider also comes here in winning form after snaring a Group 3 at Chantilly last month. He's a big player too.

Richard Fahey's unbeaten Cotai Glory colt Powerful Glory steps up in class for this comeback run and could have the scope to improve significantly.

Selection:

Big Mojo

Next Best:

Arizona Blaze

1-2-3:

Big Mojo, Arizona Blaze, Powerful Glory

Key Runners & Form Analysis

Big Mojo and Arizona Blaze are the standout form horses and fulfil the right criteria coming here with wins under their belt this season.

Charlie Appleby's Symbol Of Honour travelled well when winning the Listed Carnarvon Stakes over 6f at Newbury just a week ago and commands respect on that basis.

Kevin Ryan's record in this race means Ain't Nobody, a close third behind Big Mojo last time at Ascot, also has to merit some consideration, while the fillies Arabian Dusk (Simon & Ed Crisford) and First Instinct (William Haggas) have a bit to find taking on the boys.

Trainer & Jockey Insights

William Haggas, Kevin Ryan and Karl Burke are all two-time winners of the Sandy Lane Stakes since 2009.

Charles O'Brien (2010), Eddie Lynam (2012) and Aidan O'Brien (2023) are the only Irish-based trainers to win the race.

Jamie Spencer's three wins on Whitbarrow (2002), Skhilling Spirit (2006) and Show Rainbow (2011) make him the most successful rider in the history of the race which dates back to 1976.