Guide: 32Red Sprint Cup runners

Twilight Son, pictured winning at Royal Ascot, could bid for back-to-back Sprint Cup wins if the ground is not too fast. Picture: Racingfotos.com

The 32Red Sprint Cup, a six-furlong contest that forms part of the QIPCO British Champions Series, takes place at Haydock (4.30) on Saturday. There are 19 possible runners and here is a guide to the main contenders.
QUIET REFLECTION
Trainer: Karl Burke
Official rating: 115. Best odds: 9/2 favourite.
High-class filly who was suffering only her second defeat in eight starts when third to Limato in the Darley July Cup last time. Bit to find with the winner, if he lines up, to judge by that form but she is the more versatile in terms of ground conditions and, as a three-year-old, probably still improving. Had previously won the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot after an impressive win over course and distance.
LIMATO
Trainer: Henry Candy
Official rating: 121. Odds: 5/1
Was making it seven wins from 11 starts when a brilliant winner of the July Cup, relishing the quick going. Confirmed himself a top-notch sprinter when beating all bar Mecca’s Angel in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes last time, when having his first start over the minimum trip. Will be suited by the return to 6f, although his trainer has said ground conditions will determine whether he or stablemate Twilight Son runs.
THE TIN MAN
Trainer: James Fanshawe
Official rating: 114. Odds: 13/2
Half-brother to Group 1-winning sprinter Deacon Blues. Signed off last season by finishing fourth in the Champions Sprint at Ascot. Smooth winner at Windsor on return and impressive when coming from last to first in a Group 3 event at Newbury latest but in between disappointed in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. Better than that effort at the royal meeting indicates and has hinted he has a big prize in him.
TWILIGHT SON
Trainer: Henry Candy
Official rating: 117. Odds: 7/1
Not at his best when failing to make an impact in the July Cup last time, after which Henry Candy said he regretted running him on the quick ground. Narrow winner of the Sprint Cup last year and added another Group 1 to his CV when landing the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Well served by some give underfoot and obvious contender if getting his conditions.
DANCING STAR
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Official rating: 108. Odds: 8/1
Well-related filly who has been a big improver this year who has chalked up handicap wins at Salisbury, Goodwood (twice) and Newmarket – her rating going up 33lb in the process. Put up a personal best hen a convincing winner of the Qatar Stewards’ Cup last time and, while this requires more, who is to say she has hit her ceiling?
MAGICAL MEMORY
Trainer: Charlie Hills
Official rating: 115. Odds: 8/1
Close third in last year’s renewal and in fine form first half of this season, landing two pattern prizes in polished fashion before finishing half a length fourth to old rival Twilight Son in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. Not at his best when seventh in the July Cup latest but folly to ignore.
SUEDOIS
Trainer: David O’Meara
Official rating: 115. Odds: 14/1
Tough and consistent five-year-old who looks to have improved again since joining David O’Meara this year, running well in Group 1 company past three starts. Fifth to Twilight Son in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (beaten under a length) and then split Limato and Quiet Reflection in the July Cup before finishing a creditable fourth in the Prix Maurice De Gheest at Deauville. Likely to give it another good go.
DONJUAN TRIUMPHANT
Trainer: Richard Fahey
Official rating: 114. Odds: 20/1
Group 2 winner as a juvenile who put up his best effort to date when runner-up to Signs Of Blessing in the Prix Maurice De Gheest latest. Twice a support player behind Quiet Reflection before that – beaten an aggregate of nine lengths – but no surprise if he gets closer to that rival this time.
THE REST
Strath Burn (25-1) was pipped a short head by Twilight Son last year but has not reproduced that form since, including since being switched to Robert Cowell in June. Kachy (20-1) was runner-up to Quiet Reflection in the Commonwealth Cup but has since spurned easier opportunities. Gordon Lord Byron (20-1) has run in the past four renewals, finishing 2120, and could be back for more but, in common with Sole Power (33-1), the five-time Group 1 winner, age may be catching up with him. The progressive Mehronissa (33-1) as been supplemented but requires another big leap forward.