Sean Bowen Saturday rides blog: 'He has progressed with each run so far'

Sean Bowen has five rides at Haydock on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The Coral ambassador previews them all in his latest blog.

Sean Bowen Saturday rides blog - February 14, 2026

Sean Bowen Saturday rides schedule

• Macktoad - Haydock - 12.55 race odds

• The Bluesman - Haydock - 1.28 race odds

• Lon Chaney - Haydock - 2.40 race odds

• Grand Albert - Haydock - 3.15 race odds

• Gwennie May Star - Haydock - 3.50 race odds

12.55 – Macktoad

Macktoad couldn’t quite back up his Sandown run when stepping up in class last time. I thought his win at Sandown was very, very impressive. He looked like a horse who could go on and be one of the better juveniles around.

It was disappointing when he stepped up in grade at Chepstow and didn’t quite deliver. I’m not sure there was an obvious reason for it, but if he can get back to the level he showed at Sandown, then he will have a big chance. He’s clearly got the ability, and it’s just a case of putting it all together again.

 1.28 – The Bluesman

The Bluesman has made a good start to his chasing career. I thought his run first time over fences was solid, and he’s taken well to the discipline.

Last time at Leicester, I was a bit frustrated with how the race panned out. We went steady early and it turned into a sprint, which didn’t really suit him. I’m hoping we’ll get a stronger gallop here, which should play more to his strengths. I still think he’s nicely handicapped and there’s more to come from him over fences.

2.40 – Lon Chaney

Lon Chaney ran a big race at Uttoxeter and now steps up in class. I think the step up to three miles on what should be proper soft ground will suit him well.

He obviously needs to improve again because this is tougher, but he has progressed with each run so far. He strikes me as an improving horse, and if he continues on that upward curve, he should run a big race.

3.15 – Grand Albert

I ride Grand Albert for Donald McCain in the Grand National Trial. I don’t know a huge amount about him personally, but he ran well enough around Haydock last time on soft ground, so we know he handles the track.

He’s come down the handicap a bit, which gives him a chance, and he comes into this with a nice racing weight. He’ll need to step up on what he’s been doing recently, but there are positives there, especially his course form.

3.50 – Gwennie May Star

Gwennie May Star has been in good form since joining Olly Murphy’s yard, winning two of his last three. I thought he won nicely at Warwick last time.

This is a big step up in grade, though, and it’s a sharper three miles than he faced last time. He’s also carrying more weight, so he’ll need to improve again. He’s in good form, but this will demand a bit more from him.

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