Regional outlook looks bright for Beverley Bullet

Evergreen sprint star Regional is ready to fire in the William Hill Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes on Saturday.

The seven-year-old is the hero of Edward Bethell’s Middleham Stable and has flown the flag for the young trainer at the highest level, including winning the Group One Sprint Cup at Haydock in 2023.

He may be yet to win since, but he has hit the frame time and time again in the top sprints and was fourth when most recently seen in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

“Hopefully the rain stays away, but we’ve got a good draw (three) and we’ll keep our fingers crossed,” said Bethell.

“He seems in really good nick so we’re looking forward to it, he just does what he has to do every day and you hardly know he’s there. He’s such a professional horse.

“He has never, ever let us down. He’s an absolute legend and we’re all lucky to be a part of him.”

Clive Cox is set to saddle two runners in the Listed event, with the 2023 winner Kerdos coming into the race following a luckless bid for the Nunthorpe at York last week.

“Kerdos lost a shoe last time, but he has come out of the race well, if we got the heavy storms that would really suit him,” said the trainer.

“If we don’t get them then it will still be good to firm and I really don’t know how much that would be to his liking.”

Cox’s second runner is Redorange, who has never failed to come home in the money this year when progressing from handicaps to the Listed Prix du Cercle at Deauville, in which he was second.

“He’s run some super races, both at Goodwood and Ascot as well as at Deauville last time out,” said Cox.

“He’s come back well from France and we’re very pleased with him.”

Elsewhere in the field is Simon and Ed Crisford’s Adrestia, with further runners including William Haggas’ First Instinct, David O’Meara’s Star Of Lady M and T J Kent’s Habooba.

Robert Cowell’s Clarendon House has been declared, although he is becoming increasingly awkward when it comes to leaving the stalls, while Mick Appleby’s Shagraan and Paul Midgley’s Elegant Erin complete the field.