Adam Kirby is up for 32Red Sprint Cup with Harry Angel

Harry Angel was a fluent winner of the July Cup at Newmarket. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Adam Kirby believes Harry Angel has “everything you need” ahead of the Darley July Cup winner attempting to gain back-to-back QIPCO British Champions Series successes in the 32 Red Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday.

Harry Angel heads 20 possibles left in the race at Monday’s five-day entry stage and could be re-opposed by three other Series winners in The Tin Man, Limato and Caravaggio.

Clive Cox’s speedy three-year-old showed his might with an authoritative victory in the July Cup and, while he has not been out since, regular partner Kirby reports him to be in peak form for his return to the fray.

“I’ve sat on him since and he’s in good nick. He’s moving well and everything’s good,” Kirby told At The Races. “He’ll be fine in the ground. He’ll go through anything. In my eyes, he’s everything you need in one. He’s settled down now.

“He’s still not had many races yet. We’re looking forward to it and I’ll let him do the talking – I think he’s very good.”

“The first six home in the July Cup – Harry Angel, Limato, Brando, Caravaggio, Intelligence Cross and Growl – remain possible runners, along with The Tin Man, who was eighth but better judged on his wins in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint and Diamond Jubilee Stakes. The Tin Man was also runner-up in the Sprint Cup last year.

Caravaggio has an alternative objective in the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. His trainer Aidan O’Brien is responsible for four others in the Haydock feature – Cougar Mountain, Washington DC, Intelligence Cross and Spirit Of Valor.

Charlie Hills’ admirable grey Magical Memory is in the mix, while Hugo Palmer has left in both Gifted Master and Koropick and Richard Fahey has three in the shape of Kimberella, Mr Lupton and Queen Kindly.
Godolphin’s Blue Point, who was third to Caravaggio and Harry Angel in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, is another interesting contender. Completing the list are Tasleet, Tupi and Spiritual Lady.