Sheikh Mohammed Obaid-owned duo are favourites for Haydock Group One.
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid's Power Duo Ready to Dominate Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock
Anticipation is building for Saturday’s Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock, where Sheikh Mohammed Obaid's powerhouse duo, Inisherin and Elite Status, are set to take center stage. With both horses prominently featured in the 16-strong field, the stakes couldn't be higher for this thrilling contest, which promises to deliver electrifying sprinting action.
Inisherin, trained by Kevin Ryan, has already proven his prowess this season, having triumphed at Royal Ascot in spectacular fashion. The sprinter returns to Haydock as a formidable contender after his stunning victory earlier in the Sandy Lane Stakes. With that performance under his belt, all eyes will be on whether he can replicate the magic on Saturday and add yet another win to his impressive resume.
Meanwhile, Elite Status, representing the formidable stable of Karl Burke, has had an outstanding campaign thus far, racking up two notable victories at Newbury. Burke, not content with just one shot at glory, will also field Deauville winner Spycatcher and last year’s fourth-place finisher, Swingalong, both looking to upset the odds in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive race.
One of the standout stories in the field is Clive Cox's Jasour, who makes his return after an untimely setback that saw him miss a run over five furlongs at Goodwood. With his recovery now complete, Jasour is determined to make a statement on the Haydock track. Equally determined will be last year’s runner-up, Shouldvebeenaring, who is eager to go one better for trainer Richard Hannon and the Middleham Park Racing team.
However, the competition will be fierce, with several other notable contenders in the mix. William Haggas may have withdrawn Lake Forest, but his stable still carries weight in the form of Montassib, fresh from his victory in the Chipchase Stakes. Montassib will line up alongside Wokingham Stakes winner Unequal Love, both aiming to steal the spotlight in Haggas’ absence. Kinross, who finished behind Montassib at Newcastle, will have to wait for another day, as Ralph Beckett has his eyes set on next week’s Park Stakes at Doncaster for his charge.
Further down the field, one should not discount the return of Mick Appleby’s Annaf, making his season debut. Though perhaps under the radar, Appleby’s entrant could pose a serious threat if he hits form. Similarly, Tim Easterby’s Art Power is a name to watch. Though yet to find the winner’s circle this season, the British Champions Sprint Stakes victor from last October is itching to break his drought – and he might finally get his shot if conditions align.
Art Power's connections are praying for rain, hoping that Merseyside’s skies will open up in time for Saturday’s race. Alastair Donald, racing manager for owners King Power Racing, remains cautiously optimistic, though he acknowledges the weather hasn't been kind. "Sadly, the north is not getting the rain that the south is getting for the next couple of days, but I think it will be fine for him to run," Donald commented.
Expressing his frustration with Art Power’s luck this season, Donald added, "I always feel a bit sorry for Art Power as he's always a rather insulting price, but he still runs well at a big price and hopefully he will on Saturday." Despite his form, Art Power has been deprived of his preferred soft ground this term, leaving Donald and the team hopeful for more favorable conditions in the near future. "He's been running well all year, and he hasn't yet had his ground either, not once. Hopefully, he'll have it at some point, maybe at Ascot at the end of the year."
Still, Donald is optimistic that the ground at Haydock will be manageable, even if not ideal. "It's not going to be quick on Saturday, so it's very likely he'll run, but any rain would obviously be preferred," he concluded.
As the countdown to Saturday’s Betfair Sprint Cup continues, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown. With top-tier talent and some intriguing storylines in play, the race promises high drama and edge-of-your-seat excitement. Will Inisherin and Elite Status live up to their billing? Can Art Power finally find his footing? Or will an outsider steal the glory? All will be revealed at Haydock.
Adrian Murray's Group One-winning juvenile Bucanero Fuerte, Jessica Harrington's Givemethebeatboys and Ken Condon's Moss Tucker all make the journey from Ireland.
Charlie Fellowes' Vadream, James Fanshawe's Kind Of Blue and Andrew Balding's Flora Of Bermuda – supplemented into the contest for GBP 20,000 on Monday – complete a loaded list of contenders for the Group One prize.
