It’s Sprint Cup day at Haydock Park on Saturday with the Group 1 feature taking centre stage at 3.25pm as Hello Youmzain bids to retain his crown.
There are seven races (1.10pm-4.35pm) at the Merseyside track with racing set to take place on testing ground. Our expert has assessed the action
13:10 – Betfair Exchange Ascendant Stakes (Listed, 1m)
Richard Hannon has a strong hand in this with both FANCY MAN and River Alwen likely contenders. The former made a winning debut here in July and has since chased home a smart rival in Listed company at Salisbury. Ryan Moore is back from quarantine and his mount sets the standard. Once-raced winner Alenquer has plenty of scope for improvement and could be a threat.
Tip: Fancy Man @ 15/8
13:45 – Betfair Superior Mile Stakes (Group 3, 1m)
My Oberon finished ahead of KHALOOSY at Glorious Goodwood, a race in which the Royal Ascot winner had started odds-on favourite. The former dictated a slow pace and Jim Crowley’s mount never quite seemed at home around that quirky track. Soft ground will be no worry and the Britannia Stakes winner is worth sticking with. Kinross has been highly tried in Group 1s since a winning debut last year and isn’t without hope in calmer waters.
Tip: Khaloosy @ 11/4
14:15 – Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap (1m6f)
Favourite Moon was impressive over C&D in July, holding off a subsequent Listed/Group 3 winner in Subjectivist. He disappointed at York since and has work to do to turn things around with still improving Arthurian Fable on that evidence. They set the standard but, with only five runners, a chance is taken on Chester winner MIDRARR. She looked to have something about her when winning in good style on the Roodee and might give Hollie Doyle another Saturday afternoon score.
Tip: Midrarr @ 4/1
14:50 – Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap (1m6f)
The manner in which RHYTHMIC INTENT strode clear at Newbury last month was eye-catching. That was his first attempt beyond 1m4f and he really looked to have plenty in hand. He’s having a good season and looks certain to relish the conditions. He is unexposed at this distance and looks one to keep onside. Rajinsky has been hitting the crossbar of late and should go well while a big run from Ebor fifth Euchen Glen is likely.
Tip: Rhythmic Intent @ 7/1
15:25 – Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes (Group 1, 6f)
Hello Youmzain took this crown from The Tin Man (second) last year and the reigning champ won’t go down without a fight. Dream Of Dreams routed the field in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury last month but must prove himself back in Group 1 company in a race where he was well beaten last year. This is very open and ART POWER may bounce back from a poor Nunthorpe run at York to enhance the recent record of three-year-olds in the Sprint Cup. He looked properly progressive in two wins prior to York and it may prove folly to judge him harshly on that run. Soft ground is not a worry.
Tip: Art Power @ 7/1
16:00 – Betfair Each Way Edge Be Friendly Handicap (5f)
Wide open affair over the minimum distance. ISHVARA is into a classier race after successive runner-up finishes at Ascot and Bath but the filly boasts a C&D win this season and the return of Haydock specialist Richard Kingscote in the plate won’t harm her chances at an each-way price. Jabbarockie commands respect down in distance while Militia is in excellent form bidding for a four-timer.
Tip: Ishvara @ 8/1
16:35 – Betfair Exchange Free Bet Streak Handicap (1m)
Irish import EGRECIO is less exposed than a few of these and has twice shaped well with give underfoot in four runs since joining David O’Meara. He found only one too strong in novice at Beverley nine days ago and has definite claims back in a handicap. Super Den and Imperial Command are also unexposed types with plenty scope for improvement.
Tip: Egrecio @ 15/2