15:30 Haydock 04 Sep 2021
Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes
Group 1 | British Champions Series | Class 1 | 3YO plus
Winner £162,800 - 11 ran
raced keenly, chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on well final furlong, just held on
midfield, nudged along and outpaced over 2f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong, just failed
towards rear, pushed along 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on well final furlong, went third final strides
towards rear, headway and pushed along over 1f out, kept on well final furlong, went third inside final furlong, lost third final strides
led, pushed along 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra final 50yds
mid-division, pushed along 2f out, ridden inside final furlong, held inside final furlong
chased leaders, pushed along 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up, pushed along 2f out, switched right 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, kept on final furlong
prominent, ridden along 2f out, soon beaten
chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, faded inside final furlong
raced keenly, mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, weakened 1f out
Betting returns
| Type | Winnings |
|---|---|
| Betfair SP | £13.57 |
| CSF | £19.36 (2, 5) |
| Tricast | £249.87 (2, 5, 10) |
| Win | £13.60 (2) |
| Place | £3.10 (2), £1.10 (5), £4.00 (10) |
| Swinger | £4.10 (2, 5), £17.30 (2, 10), £7.80 (5, 10) |
| Exacta | £34.70 (2, 5) |
| Trifecta | £300.90 (2, 5, 10) |
Expert Analysis
The fastest running in the race’s over-50-year history, a reflection of firm ground (credit to the Clerk of The Course for resisting the temptation to water) and several of the form horses turning up on the day in what was a well-run race. Art Power went two to three lengths clear mid-race, and went quickly, but it was not suicidal for the conditions. The winner’s rating of 118 is just lower than par judged on recent editions, but all in all the form looks pretty solid.
EMARAATY ANA (118 here and previously) came here with decent claims following a lifetime best in a hot Nunthorpe, especially with firm ground assisting him in getting home at this 1f-longer trip, and he matched that form to prevail narrowly, quickly away and tracking the pace travelling well, going on approaching the final 1f and holding on for pressure, all out at the line. He really has turned over a new leaf of late, and is a very smart sprinter right at the top of his game.
STARMAN (118 here, 121 previously) was close to his July Cup form but left the impression he should have won narrowly, tracking the leaders, shaken up over 2f out but tapped for toe and wandering for pressure soon after before knuckling down to make it tight. He also lost his way a bit mid-race at Newmarket, and that could continue to count against him at the very highest level given the fine margins involved.
CHIL CHIL (111 here, 110 previously) ran even better if anything than when fifth in the Nunthorpe, a bit more at home at this 1f-longer trip and keeping on well from mid-field having stumbled briefly at the start. There is every reason to think she will continue to run well.
HAPPY ROMANCE (111 here, 107 previously) ran a lifetime best – no mean feat given how much racing she had as a juvenile and earlier this year – towards the rear before staying on despite edging left. The Foret, which is some way short of the full 7f, on Arc Day may be worth trying if the ground is not too soft.
ART POWER (111 here, 115 previously) again paid for going fast, two to three lengths up at halfway, but was one paced rather than capitulated when headed over 1f out and was back in decent heart.
CREATIVE FORCE (106 here, 114 previously) had a couple of things go against him and is best forgiving what was a modest rather than poor run, pitching at the start and soon in mid-field, driven over 2f out and making a bit of headway until one paced and short of room late on. This test was plenty sharp enough for him.
GARRUS (104 here, 110 previously) ran respectably, but could make only brief headway from mid-field in the penultimate 1f.
SUMMERGHAND (103 here, 109 previously) is not really up to this level (the margin of his win the time before probably flattered him somewhat) and was not altogether discredited though never on terms.
SUPREMACY (97 here, ? previously) continues out of form, in second and traveling comfortably enough until asked for greater effort.
GLEN SHIEL (94 here, 116 previously) is better on softer ground and only briefly came through to prominence having been a bit slowly away.
NANDO PARRADO (85 here, 106? previously) was outclassed again and never better than mid-field.
