Betfred Sprint Cup betting and odds

Haydock Park plays host to the 44th running of the Betfred Sprint Cup on Saturday where the top sprinters from the UK and Ireland will go head-to-head over six furlongs, writes Mikey Mumford. Among the 17 runners entered for this renewal are July Cup winner Dream Ahead, Golden Jubilee victor Society Rock and Mick Easterby’s Steward’s Cup conqueror Hoof It. And despite the withdrawal of Wokingham star Deacon Blues, it still looks a terrific contest as runners and riders battle it out for a share of the £275,000 purse.

Betfred Sprint Cup odds

Dream Ahead There seemed to be no excuses last time at Deauville when seventh of 13 runners. On that evidence, he has work to do to reverse the form with a number of these rivals including Society Rock, Genki and Wootton Bassett who all had the beating of him in France. If his last run is to be forgiven David Simcock’s representative will have to repeat the form of his July Cup win at Ascot; he should be bang there if he does.

Hoof It Really come into himself in 2011 and his Steward’s Cup success carrying top weight was mightily impressive. He was a little disappointing last time in the Nunthorpe despite being sent off favourite but that was at 5f and he should relish his best trip here at Haydock. No signs he is finished yet this campaign and another big run expected.

Bated Breath Arguably at his best on good to firm ground and picked up a couple of competitive events earlier on in the year. Has been well held by a few of these in his last three races but another who will appreciate the step back up to 6f; may just be vulnerable to an improver though.

Society Rock Unexpected winner of the Golden Jubilee in June but had run a decent second behind Bated Breath the time before that. He got soft ground at Ascot last time and must go close if getting similar conditions; has won on good and good to firm ground so versatility may put him in the frame.

Delegator Poor runs the last twice when failing to make an impression in the July Cup and the Lennox stakes. Therefore has to pull a bit more out to beat some of those rivals here. Done the majority of his winning on good ground and should be well suited to 6f after winning at both 7f and a mile; needs to bounce back though.

Bewitched Got off the mark on his reappearance at Leopardstown this year but was never travelling in the Jubilee next time. However, he has won over course and distance before so does have a liking for Haydock. Whether the track can help him rediscover his best form remains to be seen but more going for him than most.

Wootton Bassett Excellent and unbeaten two-year-old who just hasn’t translated any of that form into this year and was well beaten at Deauville last time albeit ahead of Dream Ahead. Run once on British soil in 2011 and was under pressure a long way from home in the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Looks to be going backwards and hard to have confidence here in another competitive event.

Genki Tough and consistent performer who has notched a couple of decent events this year including at Newcastle in June where he wore down Doncaster Rover to take the spoils late on. Ran on well at Newmarket last time without troubling the leaders and each-way claims if giving his usual sound running once more.

Another excellent renewal and typically hard to call but Dream Ahead is a better horse than he showed at Deauville last time and must come into the reckoning. So should Delegator for Godolphin if he can put a couple of disappointing results behind him. But HOOF IT is the most interesting stepped back up to his favourable 6f and his excellent year can continue with another big race win here. Genki could be the one for minor honours. [Mikey Mumford]

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