Haajes could never get competitive from a poor draw last time out but remains well-treated and is fancied to bounce back at 12/1 in the 3.10 at Pontefract.
Paul Midgeley's gelding could finish only 16th of 20 to Living It Large at York when well fancied, but he was not knocked about once it was clear his chance was none existent.
Before that effort he had been in really good form, and gained a deserved first victory of the season when coming late and fast to beat Elland Ally at Doncaster four starts ago when he was value for more than the winning margin of 3/4 of a length suggests.
He needs to be held up to the latest possible moment, and having hit the front a shade early idled close home but was always just doing enough to fend off the runner-up.
The gelding then finished a fine fifth of 22 to Magical Macey at Ayr, and his run prior to York when only 6th of 11 to Another Wise Kid can easily be excused as the race wasn't run to suit.
The seven-year-old was totally unsuited by the slow gallop and could get no cover from an outside draw, and in the circumstances did well to keep on an be beaten 3 lengths.
Today's big field and guaranteed pace will play to his strengths, and he looks handicapped to take all the beating as he is is only 3lb higher than his last win
Recommended bet: 2pts each-way Haajes (12/1 Blue Square)
