Limato unlikely to run in 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock

Limato is a "very doubtful" runner in the 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday, trainer Henry Candy has revealed.

The five-year-old has struck twice at Group One level, having landed both the July Cup at Newmarket and the Prix de la Foret at Chantilly last season.

He has failed to add to his tally this term, but has run several fine races in defeat, including a runner-up finish behind Harry Angel when defending his July Cup crown.

Candy had hoped to bring his charge back to the track this weekend following his fourth place in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last month, but not for the first time, his plans have been scuppered by the weather.

"It is very doubtful he'll run at Haydock. He's in good form, but I think the ground will be too soft and there's more rain forecast," said the Wantage-based trainer.

Limato, who had been as short as 7-1, also holds an entry in the Betfred Supports York Against Cancer Garrowby Stakes at York on Sunday, but Candy added: "Unfortunately, I think the same applies to York on Sunday, which is a shame, as that would have been a nice race for him as he didn't have a penalty in that."

Haydock announced on Wednesday that the Sprint Cup will be run as the third race on Saturday to ensure the freshest ground.

The racecourse executive have moved the track's most valuable race of the season at £260,000 to 2.25pm, rather than stage the feature contest as the sixth race at 4.10pm.

The going at Haydock Park is currently Good to Soft, following 19 millimetres of rain in the past two days. The latest forecast predicts dry conditions today before up to a further 20 millimetres of rain prior to racing on Saturday.

The revised order of running at Haydock Park on Saturday, September 9, 32Red Sprint Cup Day, is as follows:

1.20pm £30,000 EBF Breeders' Series 32Red Fillies' Handicap 1m 2f 100y

1.50pm £25,500 32Red Casino Ascendant Stakes (Listed Race) 1m 37y

2.25pm £260,000 32Red Sprint Cup (British Champions Series) (Group 1) 6f

3.00pm £30,000 32Red Be Friendly Handicap 5f

3.35pm £63,000 32Red Mile (Group 3) 1m 37y

4.10pm £60,000 32Red Casino Handicap 1m 6f

4:45pm £100,000 32Red.com Handicap 1m 6f