The Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock takes centre stage on Saturday and the withdrawal of fancied duo Advertise and Ten Sovereigns gives the six-furlong sprint the look of an open race.
Last year’s winner The Tin Man, trained by James Fanshawe, goes again under Oisin Murphy but the seven-year-old has looked short of his best in three runs this year. Improving three-year-old Khaadem, emphatic winner of the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood, looks another potential star for the Charlie Hills stable, while the Kevin Ryan-trained Brando is rarely far away in these big races.
German handler Dominik Moser has a superb record with his runners in Britain and he looks to have an excellent chance in the Sprint Cup with Newbury Group 3 victor Waldpfad. The five-year-old son of Shamardal should enjoy the underfoot conditions and again gets the assistance of Andrea Atzeni.
Ascot stages an interesting seven-race card, which includes the valuable Lavazza Stakes (handicap) for three-year-olds over a mile and a half. Faylaq, by Dubawi out of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Danedream, will bid to match his mother who also captured the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes over course and distance.
Kempton’s all-weather afternoon programme features two Group 3 contests, the September Stakes (1m4f) for older horses and Sirenia Stakes (6f) for two-year-olds.
Thirsk and Stratford (jumps) also hold afternoon meetings while there is evening all-weather action at Wolverhampton. Navan (Flat) and Wexford (jumps) race in Ireland.
Belmont riches
The inaugural Turf Triple Series reaches its climax at Belmont Park in the USA tonight with two valuable contests, the Jockey Club Oaks for three-year-old fillies over 1m3f and the Jockey Club Derby for three-year-old males over 1m4f.
Jane Chapple-Hyam is hoping to take the Oaks cash – a not inconsiderable £325,000 – back to Newmarket with Love So Deep. This daughter of the late Deep Impact, owned by the Love So Deep Syndicate, has improved throughout the season and was runner-up in a French Group 2 prize when last seen in August.
Her neighbour David Simcock has his eyes on the Derby, worth £421,000 to the winner, with Spanish Mission. The Noble Mission colt, owned by Earle Mack and Team Valor, captured the Bahrain Trophy on the July Course before a close third in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. Jamie Spencer rides both UK raiders.
Happy birthday Chris!
Owner, breeder, ROA Board member and music and entertainment mogul Chris Wright celebrates his 75th birthday today with three runners throughout the afternoon and evening.
Electric Ladyland, named after the 1968 album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, takes her chance at Wolverhampton while Bubble And Squeak (named after the potato and cabbage delicacy) and Jungle Speed head to Fontainebleau in France.
The Sylvester Kirk-trained Bubble And Squeak contests the Grand Prix de Fontainebleau, a Listed contest for fillies and mares over ten furlongs. The daughter of Mastercraftsman faces ten rivals including fellow British challengers Time Change and Queen Of Time, representing Ralph Beckett and Henry Candy.
Hopefully they all perform with credit and make it back before Brexit happens…
