Holland eyes Saturday race double

Darryll Holland is hoping for a big-race double at Haydock on Saturday after being booked to partner Mellow Park and Takamaka Bay in the two feature events.

Lupe Stakes winner Mellow Park is due to run in the Group Three Lancashire Oaks, while Takamaka Bay will take his chance in the Tote Old Newton Cup.

Holland said today: ‘‘Mellow Park is a likely runner at this stage and I can’t wait to get back on board her.

‘‘Jeremy Noseda did a great job on her to get her ready for the Lupe first time and I’m sure she didn’t run to her best form in the Vodafone Oaks when she stayed on late into sixth.

‘‘She’s better than that and it’s possible the faster ground will help her.

‘‘I rode Takamaka Bay at Royal Ascot and he was unlucky there as he didn’t get the best of runs. He’s since come out in a small field at Doncaster and run a good second. He’ll be better suited to a bigger field at Haydock.’’

Takamaka Bay is quoted at 10-1 for the Old Newton Cup by Blue Square.