Simon Holt Best bets for Haydock and Ascot on Saturday

Recommended bets:

2pts win Zaaki in 2.40 Haydock at 9/2

1pt win War Glory in 3.50 Haydock at 13/2

1pt win Princess Power in 4.45 Ascot at 7/1

ZAAKI, who was not disgraced behind subsequent Sussex Stakes winner Mohaather in the Summer Mile at Ascot last month, can return to winning form over the extra two furlongs of the Group Three BetVictor Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock on Saturday.

Ryan Moore's mount has raced mainly at a mile for the last 15 months, but won over nine furlongs at York last August and was beaten just a short head by Communique over this mile and a quarter trip at Newmarket in July, 18.

Aside from Mohaather's stunning Goodwood exploits, the Ascot race has been well advertised by Duke Of Hazzard (third), Lord Glitters (fourth) and Urban Icon (fifth) since, and Zaaki ran well considering he was hampered early on and then didn't get the clearest of passages up the home straight.

Inside the final furlong, he was not knocked about by Louis Steward and, after an earlier creditable third behind Century Dream at Newbury, he is fancied to win here for the third time at this level.

The main rivals are likely to be Global Giant and Extra Elusive, who finished first and second in a listed race at Newbury last time with the subsequent Goodwood winner Pablo Escobarr a close third.

Later on the card at Haydock, WAR GLORY can go well in the BetVictor Gamble Responsibly Handicap after a decent run at Ascot last time when he stayed on strongly into fourth from the back of the field behind River Nymph.

Richard Hannon's splendid seven-year-old stable servant had previously found a mile on soft ground on this course beyond him, and this seven furlongs on a quicker surface will suit much better.

Rated much more highly on the all-weather, War Glory has become well handicapped on his best turf form and is now 7lb lower in the ratings since being narrowly beaten at Sandown early last season as well as when an unlucky-in-running fifth at Epsom on Derby Day.

Meanwhile, Ascot stages some very competitive-looking handicaps, and it may be worth waiting until the concluding Sportsable Handicap for a decent bet as PRINCESS POWER could be ready to flex her muscles.

Nigel Tinkler's southern runners are often worth a second look and this daughter of Slade Power ran her best race for a while when third at Sandown last month.

Although effective at six furlongs, this stiff five could be ideal for Princess Power who was rated 87 when finishing fourth behind Que Amoro, Moss Gill and Roulston Scar - that form well boosted since by all the aforementioned - at York (5f) last August.

After the promise of that latest run, she could be thrown-in here off 79 with apprentice Danny Redmond, who has ridden two winners in the last fortnight, taking off an additional 5lb.

• Preview posted 1630 BST on 07/08/2020

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