THIS blog has had a lot of faith in GARSWOOD. So has Richard Fahey, who believes he is among the best, if not THE best, he has ever trained. Tomorrow the strapping son of Dutch Art goes for Group One glory at Haydock in the Betfred Sprint Cup. On the face of it he has a stiff task against more streetwise, older opposition over a trip that may well prove too short. But the ground could be a great leveller. Garswood needs to get his toe in and the rain at Haydock has been incessant.

With doubts about several others handling the conditions, the 6f on soft ground will put the emphasis on stamina as well as speed. Lethal Force is the form horse and Gordon Lord Byron will revel in the mud but preference is for Garswood to show what he is really made of. Hoof It might also be worth a speculative each-way bet at a silly price.

The Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown is a re-run of the Juddmonte International. I got the feeling Al Kazeem didn’t let himself down as well as he usually does that day and I also wasn’t convinced that York was the right track for him. Anyway, I fancy him to reverse the placings with Trading Leather and Declaration of War especially if there is some rain.

Elsewhere here are a few other fancies for Saturday:

Pallasator (3.15 Haydock): Will love the ground and should be fit enough to do himself justice.

Elidor (Ascot 3.30): Did me a good turn at Royal Ascot and has not been disgraced since. He is only 4lb higher than his royal victory and he looks too big a price to ignore. Strong each-way value.

Messila Star (5.50 Kempton): Looked promising after winning his maiden and has had a long break. Back on the all weather, he does not look too harshly treated on his handicap debut.

Saucy Minx (4.40 Ascot): Another who looks good each-way value at around 12/1 although Lanansaak is quietly fancied by connections.

Does anybody else fancy Garswood? Who will win the big one at Haydock? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment box below. Happy punting!