By Tom Frary
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal) heads a field of 16 sprinters confirmed for Saturday's G1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock. Rested since his fifth as favourite for the G1 July Cup, the Kevin Ryan-trained homebred returns to the scene of his success in the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes in May with regular rider Tom Eaves retaining the ride. “Inisherin is in great form,” his trainer said this week. “We've had an uninterrupted preparation and all his work has gone to plan when we wanted it to. He is very fresh and well. Knowing the horse, we haven't had a concern with him in any of his work and I'm confident we are in the right place. There is a fair chance he'll put some of the pace to the race anyway. The good thing about him is that he can go on or take a lead.”
Also representing the owner-breeder is the Karl Burke-trained G3 Hackwood Stakes winner Elite Status (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), with Burke also saddling the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes and July Cup runner-up Swingalong (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}). The three-strong Irish contingent includes Amo Racing's G1 Phoenix Stakes winner Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Bronsan Racing's G3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes scorer Givemethebeatboys (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}).
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