Six key contenders for the Betfair Sprint Cup

The £400,000 Betfair Sprint Cup is the showpiece at Haydock on Saturday. With 29 horses entered as we approach the five-day declaration stage, it looks likely that we are going to get another competitive double-figure field for one of the sprinting highlights of the Flat season

We’ve picked out six contenders that could make their presence felt in the six-furlong contest, including last year’s winner, who is bidding to become just the second horse to win the race more than once.

It’s a feat that hasn’t been achieved since Be Friendly won in 1966 and 1967. 

Trainer: Kevin Ryan. Best odds: 5-1.

Looked to have the sprinting world at his feet when running out an impressive winner of the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but struggled to go with the older sprinters three weeks later in the July Cup, despite being sent off an extremely well-backed 11-8 favourite. Hugely impressive winner of the Sandy Lane Stakes on his only previous visit to Haydock but confidence in him has been dented a notch after that Newmarket defeat. Needs to bounce back to that Commonwealth Cup form to win this but that is entirely possible

Trainer: Karl Burke. Best odds: 7-1.

Still lightly-raced and posted a new personal best in winning the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes at Newbury, where he had Regional just under two lengths back in fourth. Couldn’t get close to Vandeek in two forays into Group 1 company last season but has now earned another crack at a top-level prize and has always been very highly regarded by his trainer. Tends to race close to the pace. 

Trainer: Ed Bethell. Best odds: 10-1.

Career highlight so far is a neck success in this race 12 months ago, where he was always front rank. That success took his record to three wins from three starts at Haydock but he’s not been able to add to his winning tally this season and despite running well in defeat. Has ground to make up on Elite Status from Newbury last time but the return to his favourite hunting ground could just be the catalyst to a big run.

Trainer: George Boughey. Best odds: 10-1.

Improving filly that has taken her form to a new level this season, not least last time when she stayed on well to get within three-quarters of a length of Bradsell in the Nunthorpe Stakes, where she raced away from the winner towards the stands’ side. Return to six furlongs won’t be any problem and, with the fillies’ allowance to help, it would be no surprise if she was to figure prominently in the finish. 

Trainer: Karl Burke. Best odds: 10-1.

Knocking at the door at the highest level with narrow defeats in the Jubilee Stakes and July Cup this summer. Beaten just a neck at HQ having been in the firing line throughout so is clearly at the top of her game and this looks an obvious race for her now. Deserves one of these. 

Trainer: Clive Cox. Best odds: 12-1.

Two and a half lengths behind Inisherin at Ascot where he didn’t help himself by racing keenly early on. Again took a bit of a hold when beaten three lengths in the July Cup and feeling is that he may appreciate drop back to minimum trip. However, should get a strong pace to aim at here and he’s a talented sprinter when things do pan out for him. Has a big run in him.