William Haggas is looking forward to running Binhareer in the Ayr Gold Cup after steering clear from the dry ground this summer.
The Dark Angel gelding was progressive last season, including a staying on sixth in the Ayr Silver Cup. He signed off with a taking win at York under Tom Marquand, and lost little in defeat back there on seasonal debut. Binhareer failed to justify favouritism in the Wokingham, but his Hackwood Stakes third was strong form.
With a Group 1 entry, connections evidently hold him in high regard and a mark of 103 could underestimate him. Speaking on Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast, via Sporting Life, William Haggas said: “He has been one of the many horses in training who has been hampered by a dry summer. So we’re hoping for the rain.
“He’s a pretty good horse on slower ground and he should get it at Ayr, I hope. He’s pretty talented and he’s in good shape. We thought that Ayr might be the place where it would rain. So we’ve waited since Newbury, where he hated the ground.”
Haggas not getting ahead of himself despite Group 1 entry
In a sprinting era where classy, improving handicappers are making their marks in Group company, it’s unsurprising to see Binhareer entered in stronger company.
The Champions Sprint has thrown up several shock results in recent years. Powerful Glory was a triple figure priced winner last season, fending off the favourite Lazzat. Art Power also defied the favourite Kinross at big odds in 2023.
Donjuan Triumphant and Sands of Mali were further somewhat surprise winners, but Binhareer still has plenty to find.
On the entry, Haggas noted: “It’s a very trainer-type remark but one step at a time. It’s been heavy there for a while on Champions Day. So if it’s heavy again, and he’s in good form, he will at least handle the ground. But he’d have a lot to find.”
Binhareer isn’t the only Somerville Lodge representative as Haggas bids to back up his success with Nahaarr in 2020. “We’re going to run Wiltshire as well” said Haggas. “He is a horse that goes very well fresh and he’ll enjoy some cut in the ground. He’s got a bit to find but he’s a pretty useful horse at his best.”
The Aclaim gelding hasn’t been seen since finishing down the field in the Chipchase Stakes. He’s won just once on turf, however, and would have to improve drastically to be competitive.