Extortionist To Swindle Home Sprint Cup

Haydock’s Group 1 Sprint Cup on Saturday (3.50) is shaping up to be an explosive affair in which the ever-popular, Sole Power, will bid for a four-timer.

The Favourite
Edward Lynam’s 7yo arrives here in the form of his life having recorded a treble this summer, with the last two victories both Group 1’s, namely the Nunthorpe Stakes and King’s Stand Stakes (5f, good).

The big question on Saturday, however, is whether he can finally win a big one over 6f having lost his previous seven outings over 6f, including when 11th in this race three years ago. At current odds of 3/1, some may consider those odds a touch short, in the process offering value about the likes of Henry Candy’s, Music Master (7/1), who is a sprinter on the up having won a Group 3 at Newbury in July (6f, good).

That victory represented a career best, and having been beaten just under 3l in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm), Music Master gives the impression he has the class to figure at this level.

Rewind back almost a year, however, and Music Master was given a comprehensive 3l beating by Dean Ivory’s, Tropics (8/1), who has taken a while to come to hand this season, but hit back with a Listed success at Newmarket a few weeks ago – for the record, 8 of the last 10 Sprint Cup winners arrived via Newmarket, York or Newbury.

Irish Challenge
The Irish challenge comes via the 6yo, Gordon Lord Byron (9/2), who dished out a 3l beating to Slade Power in this race 12 months ago, and has been lightly raced this term with just five outings. He looked back to his best when denied a nose in a Group 3last time, attempting to give away 7lb to the winner. Any rain would aid his cause.

If rain does arrive, then Maarek’s 20/1 odds may shorten, as this mud-lover would be a danger to all if the mud flies. A Group 2 winner back in May, he clearly still has the ability.

Classic Generation
Several 3yo’s have triumphed in this race during the last decade, and David O’Meara will be hoping his colt, G Force (10/1), can add to that tally having finished just over 1l behind Sole Power in the Nunthorpe (5f, good). He stayed on to good effect that day, as when fifth in a Goodwood Group 2, and this extra furlong may suit.

Virtually the same can be said about fellow 3yo, Extortionist (12/1), who also ran on strongly in both races (second at Goodwood and third at York), and could well be suited by this extra furlong.

Trends Summary
9 were 3-5yos’ – those older were 1-40
9 were officially rated 109 or higher
8 arrived via York, Newbury or Newmarket
8 made the top four last time

Recommended Bets
Sole Power is respected, but has it to prove over this trip, while Tropics looks right back to his best and should go well. However, with 3yo’s showing a decent record in the race, Extortionist could still have improvement to come over 6f and represents good each-way odds at 12/1.