Phill Anderson's play of the day at Haydock

Gemini Star

3.35 Haydock

The 5f sprint on Haydock’s card has a number of front-runners in the 13-runner field and there’s a good chance it could set up nicely for a hold-up performer.

Gemini Star could be the main beneficiary. All her best form has come when given a strong pace to aim at, as seen in her maiden success last season as well as a neck defeat at Yarmouth in September, doing particularly well from a poor draw that day.

The ground was probably too testing on this year’s return when a well-held fifth at Thirsk. However, she ran better at Nottingham since when beaten just shy of three lengths despite overracing in the early stages, and there are a few reasons to think she can build on that.

Her career-best Racing Post Ratings have both come on good to soft ground, conditions she’s probably going to get here, and the drop back to 5f could help her settle better on this occasion with a stronger pace likely.

They often come to the near side on the straight track at Haydock when there’s a bit of cut, so this filly looks ideally berthed in stall 13 (of 13), and last year’s winner came from both the rear and the closest stall to the stands’ rail.

She’s come back down to a mark of 76, which looks workable having gone close off 78 last term, and first-time cheekpieces may help her eke out more to get her head back in front, having made the frame three times since her maiden win.

Furthermore, Hollie Doyle is an interesting booking given that she has a 31 per cent strike-rate (4-13) when riding for the yard and her mount could go under the radar against rivals who have been in better form this season.