6f Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo+)
Shaquille is simply the best sprinter in the UK at the moment having claimed two Group 1’s on the bounce and whilst he does have the potential to throw this race away at the start of his races, there is no way I want to take him on.
Beyond Shaquille the race has a fairly open feel to it and I think there are some nice odds on offer in the betting w/o Shaquille markets.
SACRED was an unlucky loser in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, getting mowed down late on by the re-opposing Khaadem and that form is good enough to rival any others in this contest. Sacred put in a disappointing display back at York next time out in the City Of York Staes, but she broke poorly that day and there is every chance she could bounce back today with conditions to suit.
The other form horse that appears to have stepped his performances up another level is this year’s Wokingham winner, SAINT LAWRENCE, who flashed home late in the Ascot sprint handicap. He was then an unlucky loser on ground that would have been far too soft in the Prix Maurice De Gheest and he could be suited by the run of this race assuming he gets good cover from his outside. Saint Lawrence also finished sixth last year in the Diamond Jubilee stakes behind Nature Strip on fast ground and is a much suited to this surface. They both look like two good bets to win without Shaquille.
1pt win Sacred @5/1, 1pt win Saint Lawrence @7/1 w/o Shaquille, 15:35 Haydock, Saturday (with Skybet)
Leave a comment