Racing editor Rob Plumbridge has analysed the Haydock Sprint Cup this Saturday at Haydock and given his verdict.

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The Haydock Sprint Cup is run over six furlongs and tests the top sprinters on often softer conditions than they have faced previously at the July Course and York.

This race is usually run at a true pace and sets it up for a closer who stays the extra one furlong, rather than the strictly pace merchants at five furlongs.

Below I have taken a look at this year’s running and picked out a few of the key contenders before giving my verdict:

Last Year’s Champ – Emaraaty Ana

Last year’s winner faces an uphill task if history tells us anything. No horse has won this event twice since 1967 when Be Friendly won back-to-back renewals.

That tempers enthusiasm for Kevin Ryan’s charge, however he ran a blinder last time at York when a fast-finishing third in the Nunthorpe Stakes. Hitting the line hard that day so this extra furlong is a huge plus.

He seems to thrive on firmer ground so the forecast rain in the morning might turn things against him. He still goes there with a very good chance of re-writing the history books.

The Favourite – Naval Crown

The Godolphin inmate has been in sparkling form this summer winning at Royal Ascot in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes and then runner up in the July Cup at Newmarket. He’s taken his form to a new level this season and making his presence felt at the top table. He likes to race prominently so may be taken on for the lead here so could be vulnerable to a closer. However, he’s been very consistent this year and should make his presence felt.

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Others to note

Rohaan

Rohaan has been absolutely crying out for a fast run race at this distance and can really make his mark here under Hollie Doyle. A good gallop should be set with plenty of pace angles and if he can settle early will surely be played late with a fast finish. He’s versatile in terms of ground, so any of the forecast rain at Haydock will suite him more than some of his rivals.

Minzaal

Highfield Princess’ win in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York franked Minzaal’s Deauville second last time out so he must be high on the list. Owen Burrows has been in good form lately winning the Group 3 Strensall Stakes at the Ebor Festival. He should have Minzaal ready here and can take the big prize if the breaks come.

Kinross

Kinross was a superb winner at York last time in the City Of York Stakes. He’s as tough as they come and a credit to connections. He’s more of a seven furlongs horse though and does most of his winning there. However, the combination of a fast pace and some rain could set it up for his extra stamina. He’s in the mix.

THE VERDICT

A hugely competitive affair as always in the Sprint Cup and cases can be made for many. Naval Crown should be bang there on his form this year, along with Minzaal. They might be susceptible to a fast finisher though. ROHAAN fits the bill should he get the fast pace he’s been looking for and can come home with a wet sail under Hollie Doyle. Kinross, Art Power and last year’s winner Emaraaty Ana cannot be ruled out either.

1-2-3 Prediction

1st: ROHAAN 2nd Naval Crown 3rd Emaraaty Ana

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