Temple Stakes Tip: Prohibit

The Temple Stakes at Haydock (3.00) on Saturday is a fascinating contest, featuring Overdose the star sprinter from Hungary. Close to a national hero in his country, the ‘Budapest Bullet’ arrives in the UK with a lofty reputation. Winner in 15 of his 16 starts, he would also have the Group 1 Prix De L’Abbaye on his CV but his win was voided because of a false start.

Reading this you probably think at 9/4 he is a good thing. He isn’t. Since 2008 he has been blighted by various injury problems and only won some very low grade races. The one time he stepped up to Group company in Germany he was well beaten. His price is based on form not recaptured for three years - he must be avoided.

With a vulnerable favourite there is heaps of value elsewhere, the best of which lies with Prohibit. Haydock is generally quite a stiff track and with three proven front-runners in Overdose, Rose Blossom and Tangerine Trees the race could be set up for him.

The Robert Cowell gelding started last year as a useful handicapper but the drop back to five furlongs improved the horse beyond recognition. He placed in a Group race at Newbury before running a blinder to finish sixth in the Abbaye. He continued his upwards curve during the winter by winning a valuable handicap in Dubai and finishing a close fifth in the Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night.

A collection of performances that prove he is up to this level, but the best piece of evidence was found last week. Running in a Group Three race at Longchamp, he put in a magnificent performance. At a track that heavily favours front-runners, Prohibit almost came from last to first, only beaten a quarter of a length. It was a stunning performance especially considering he was hampered in his run. The race is available to watch on Equidia Video form. If he displays the same turn of foot at Haydock he could get a well deserved win.