Clive Cox has Harry Angel primed for QIPCO Sprint to savour

Harry Angel, superb winner of the Darley July Cup and 32Red Sprint Cup, heads a stellar entry of 14 still in the mix for the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes.

The Clive Cox-trained three-year-old, who is owned by Godolphin, is officially rated the highest-rated sprinter in the world.

Seven other speedsters who have won at least one Group 1 race – Caravaggio, The Tin Man (winner of the Sprint last year), Quiet Reflection and Brando – also line up.

In addition, Tasleet, who has been placed in Group 1 races run at Ascot remains in the mix.

WHAT THEY SAY:

Clive Cox, the trainer of Harry Angel, said:

“We were thrilled with his performance at Haydock. He’s come back absolutely fine and the time scale between then and Champions Day is perfect. We’ve had a chance to see if he’s in good order and keep him in good order. He’s in a good frame of mind and we are very happy with him.

“We’ve got no concerns from a going point of view, which is great. I know a lot of people say a good horse will go on any ground, but finding that one is pretty difficult in my mind. We are very lucky.

“In The Sandy Lane [on firm going], where he broke the track record, he was very impressive and our concern at Haydock last time was the heavy ground, but we all witnessed he was equally impressive – breathtaking really.”

Reflecting on his early days, Cox added: “He was a baby to begin with, fractitious in the stalls and wanted to get on with life. I’m delighted that with maturity – physically and mentally – he has become the finished article.

“I’m very proud to have been involved in his career; he’s made a huge difference to our lives the way he’s performed and the success he’s achieved. It’s a mighty hot race, as it always is and you’d expect. It’s a great finale to the turf season.”

ENTRIES IN FULL: