Commonwealth Cup winner one of 22 left in Haydock feature.
Inisherin leads a strong list of 22 contenders for the Betfair Sprint Cup, set to take place this Saturday at Haydock. The three-year-old, trained by Kevin Ryan, has already tasted success at this course, having won the Sandy Lane Stakes over the six-furlong distance back in May. He followed up that victory with a commanding performance in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. However, Inisherin has been absent from the track since his defeat as the favorite in the July Cup, adding intrigue to his return this weekend.
Karl Burke’s Swingalong, who finished second to Mill Stream in the July Cup and placed fourth at Haydock last year, is aiming to confirm her recent form. Burke also has two other notable entries in Spycatcher, a recent winner in France, and Elite Status, owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, like Inisherin.
Philip Robinson, assistant racing manager for Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum, expressed confidence in Swingalong's chances:
"She was beaten about a length and a half last year, and I think she is at least two lengths better this year. Hopefully, she will be thereabouts," said Robinson.
William Haggas also has a trio of runners to choose from, including Lake Forest, who was a late withdrawal at York's Ebor Festival after an incident in the stalls, Montassib, winner of the Chipchase Stakes, and Unequal Love.
Other notable entries include the Andrew Balding-trained Flora Of Bermuda, who was supplemented for the race at a cost of £20,000, as well as Kinross, Jasour, Givemethebeatboys, and Shouldvebeenaring, who came agonizingly close to winning last year when beaten by just a neck.
Absent from the list is last year’s winner Regional, who has not been confirmed to defend his title for trainer Ed Bethell. The stage is set for a highly competitive renewal of the Betfair Sprint Cup, with several talented sprinters vying for the coveted Group 1 title.
