Racing preview for Saturday, May 21

Pearl Secret is excellent value to successfully defend his crown in the Temple Stakes at Haydock.
Pearl Secret is tipped to repeat last year's Temple Stakes triumph at Haydock at a good price. Photo: Anna Gowthorpe/PA WirePearl Secret is tipped to repeat last year's Temple Stakes triumph at Haydock at a good price. Photo: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
Pearl Secret is tipped to repeat last year's Temple Stakes triumph at Haydock at a good price. Photo: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire

David Barron’s sprinter won this Grade Two by a neck 12 months ago, having previously finished a half-length second in the 2014 renewal, and is well worth another bash at what is a tempting double-figure price.

The seven-year-old son of Compton Place has never quite fulfilled his potential, which has perhaps been due to misfortune than anything untoward.

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Despite having twice been placed in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, Pearl Secret’s sole Group race-triumph was actually in the Temple Stakes last year.

And though he has not been sighted since the autumn, when a fine fourth from a difficult draw in the Prix de l’Abbaye, he is a horse that has gone well fresh in the past.

Just as significant is the fact there is rain forecast on Merseyside, so the ground should not be rattling-fast, which has never really been his bag

With owners Qatar Racing desperate for a big winner after having made a quiet start to the Flat season, Barron can be relied upon to have his inmate primed to the minute.

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Richard Fahey is a big fan of Garcia, who should be up to the challenge in the Silver Bowl Stakes.

The three-year-old son of Paco Boy raised a few eyebrows at Beverley last time when he cosily accounted for a strong Sir Michael Stoute runner by nearly two lengths.

Fahey was quick to nominate this race as the next logical staging post for Garcia, who still looks reasonably treated on a mark of 89.

He must take another step up the ladder at Haydock, but that is a distinct possibility as he could easily be better than a handicapper.

* Selections:

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Goodwood: 2.15 Master Carpenter, 2.50 Mount Logan, 3.25 Oh This Is Us, 4.00 Romantic View, 4.35 Notarised, 5.10 Elusive Ellen, 5.45 Nightingale Valley.

Haydock: 1.55 Red Verdon, 2.30 Venue, 3.05 Garcia, 3.40 Marsh Hawk, 4.10 PEARL SECRET (NAP), 4.45 Flowers On Venus, 5.20 King Of Naples.

Newmarket: 1.50 Deningy, 2.20 Chelsea Lad, 2.55 Seeking Magic, 3.30 Linguistic, 4.05 Felix Mendelssohn, 4.40 Clear Water, 5.15 Murgan.

York: 2.05 Heaven’s Guest, 2.40 Moonrise Landing, 3.15 Shrewd, 3.50 Kimberella, 4.20 Masham Star, 4.55 Sagely, 5.25 Dutch Artist.

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Chepstow: 5.50 Davarde, 6.20 Spirit Of Rosanna, 6.50 Sciarra, 7.20 Bouclier, 7.50 Innoko, 8.20 Scent Of Power, 8.50 Dizzey Heights.

Stratford: 5.30 Chicago Outfit, 6.05 Zante, 6.35 Shadows Lengthen, 7.05 Red Tornado, 7.35 Raven’s Tower, 8.05 Alderley Heights, 8.35 Brio Conti.

Double: Pearl Secret and Linguistic.