The champion sprinter of the UK racing season could well be determined at 16h30 this afternoon when Starman contests the 1200m Gr1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock Park.
The four-year-old has been heavily supported to land a second Gr1 prize this season.
His trainer, Ed Walker rates the stable flagbearer so highly he considers him an equine version of Usain Bolt, and is very confident that the big-race favourite can “get the job done.”
The going description on Thursday was good to firm which is perfect for Starman, who produced an explosive performance when taking the Gr1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket in similar conditions.
Success at Haydock, for which he is an evens favourite, would reaffirm his place as one of Europe’s best sprinters. The son of Dutch Art was third following his Newmarket victory in the Gr1 Prix Maurice de Gheest over 1300m on soft ground.
The trainer said: “He goes there in great shape and we couldn’t be happier with him. He’s run against and beaten most of the field this season, so it looks a great opportunity for him. I think he’s the best horse and if he’s in the same form as Newmarket then hopefully he’ll prove that.”
His biggest danger could well come from the Charlie Appleby yard who saddle the very useful Creative Force. With the Godolphin operation currently enjoying a 47% winning strike rate over the last two weeks, whatever they send to the course must be considered. The Dubawi gelding is however 4lbs worse off on Saturday after being beaten two lengths by Starman in the Newmarket group one.
Earlier on the card at 14h45, the popular old grey Lord Glitters can strike in the Betfair Superior Mile Stakes after an excellent run in defeat behind Real World at York last month. The winner looks potentially top class, but Lord Glitters turned in a fine performance to be beaten a length and a half in second, whilst conceding 7lbs. A dual group one winner in his own right, Lord Glitters can overcome a likely tactical affair in a field of five with his great turn of foot and provide another win for trainer David O’Meara.
Hukum has continued his progress through the ranks this term and the Gr3 Unibet September Stakes at Kempton run at 15h40 looks at his mercy. Owen Burrows’ charge has won three of his five outings this term, all on turf, but he did triumph on the Kempton Polytrack last year, so the surface should not be a negative.
Burrows said “This looks another nice opportunity for him all being well, and he won around Kempton as a two-year-old. He has got the penalty again, but he had that at Newbury and won, and we go there very hopeful.”
