TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

16:15 Haydock – The 32Red Casino Sprint Cup Stakes

Haydock Park hosts today’s feature event, in the shape of the Group One Sprint Cup. Raced over a trip of 6 furlongs this race is part of the British Champions series and was won last season by the top class, Harry Angel. Open to horses aged three years and above you could be forgiven for assuming that a fair blend of ages have taken recent renewals of this, that assumption however is not backed up with the results as the last four winners have all been three year olds and indeed six of the last ten have been from that age group. 

Age, trends and prices to one side, defending champion Harry Angel demands being the first horse to come under the spotlight as he is unquestionably the class horse of the race. His most recent effort at Royal Ascot can be totally written off as he had bumped himself when entering the stalls and was subsequently found to be slightly lame after the race, his connections have been extremely bullish about his chances during the build up and a repeat of his demolition job in last seasons renewal would surely suffice. 

The Tin Man is high class in his own right and has twice placed in this race, he ought to go well and could challenge granted luck, however, he has never scored when soft has been in the going description and it would be a shock if he were to do any better than place. 247

Sir Dancelot arrives here in search of the hat-trick and he defied a penalty to land his second Group2 in succession when comfortably landing the Hungerford at Newbury last time. Improving all the time and with a strong pace likely to suit, it is easy to see David Elsworths’ charge running into the places though you rather suspect that he is better at 7f. 

Brando often goes well in similar events and is proven on the ground, his most recent effort in France was fairly disappointing though he may be worth forgiving that effort and a better run is expected today. 

James Garfield almost stole the Prix Maurice de Gheest under Frankie Dettori last time and ticks a fair amount of boxes, aged three and likely to be still improving he very nearly got the vote though you do wonder how he will respond to being taken on up front in this. 

Tasleet could emulate his effort when second in this last season, off the track since May he wont mind the ground and is a massive place player if fully revved up. The rest are difficult to fancy so instead of over complicating it, Harry Angel is the best horse in the race and although there are slight concerns, it is he who is taken to stamp his class on the opposition and retain his title.

HARRY ANGEL (WIN)

ITV RACES:

13:50 Haydock – Mekong (WIN)

14:05 Kempton – Crystal Ocean (WIN)

14:25 Haydock – Emmaus (WIN)

14:45 Ascot – Chessman (E/W)

15:15 Kempton – Honeyman (WIN) – NAP

15:35 Haydock – Speedo Boy (WIN)

15:55 Ascot – First Eleven (WIN)