Betfair Spring Cup Runner-By-Runner Guide

A fascinating renewal of the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup takes place at Haydock on Saturday. It sees the return of Royal Ascot winner Inisherin but will he be able to give his trainer Kevin Ryan his third winner of this race in the past six years? Here is my runner-by-runner guide to this year’s renewal:

Annaf – Michael Appleby

Despite having only won three times on the turf, Michael Appleby’s five-year-old is a very hardy sort and picked up his biggest prize yet when landing a big pot in Riyadh back in February. To win this, he would have to overcome a lengthy lay off but his three-length defeat in this race last year bodes well and he should run well if ready after his break.

Art Power – Tim Easterby

Seven furlongs hasn’t been his trip so this drop back down in distance will be much more to his liking. He will need to bounce back to his younger form should he want to compete in this warm race given most of his competitors are arriving in rude health.

Montassib – William Haggas

A classy gelding who relishes softer conditions and took his career to a new high when landing the Chipchase Stakes on the all-weather last time out. He hasn’t been seen since but has to be respected given the fact that he beat Kinross last time out who would be amongst the favourites should he take up his entry.

Moss Tucker – Ken Condon

Group 1 winner last year but has been a tricky horse to judge this year. This will be his first trip over to England after 33 starts in Ireland and his trainer form would be a slight worry. He is talented on his day but deserves to take his chance in this.

Shouldvebeenaring – Richard Hannon

Second in this last year and has enjoyed a productive campaign this year too, including a valiant third in the City Of York Stakes, last time out. He stays the six furlongs well and should benefit from being delivered late off a strong pace, however, it would be a slight surprise given a few of his rivals in here have stronger form this year.

Spycatcher – Karl Burke

Has been a wonderful servant for Karl Burke and his owners and landed another healthy pot when winning in France, last month. This will be his hardest task he has faced in quite some time though and would be better suited if the heavens opened up. One of a few for his trainer.

Bucanero Fuerte – Adrian Murray

Bounced back to winning ways after a lengthy break to land the Group 3 Lacken Stakes, beating Givemethebeatboys in the process. Adrian Murray’s speedy colt possesses some of the best two-year-old form on show and given the fact he could have even more in the tank, has a lively chance. There will be a pace angle in the race and if getting loose on the front end, will certainly be a threat.

Givemethebeatboys – Jessica Harrington

Despite having work to do to reverse form with Bucanero Fuerte, Jessica Harrington’s colt got back to winning ways when landing Group 3 honours last time out. Completely flopped at Royal Ascot when subject to plenty of support in the market but that was almost too bad to be true. Will have to prove he can perform when travelling to Britain so I’m willing to swerve him.

Elite Status – Karl Burke

Targeted for this race following Group 3 success at Newbury when last seen on the track. He was arguably a little fortunate given Lake Forest was a fast finisher, but Karl Burke’s colt still ran to a fair level of form worthy of a chance in this. Looks to be the favoured runner from the Karl Burke string and the choice of Clifford Lee which is a good sign if you’re a fan. Big chance.

Inisherin – Kevin Ryan

Trainer has won this race twice in the last four years and his horse looked to be a monster when landing the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. However, the form hasn’t worked out too well despite him looking so visually impressive. Finished a close-up, yet comfortably beaten fifth, but it’s well within his capability to bounce back.

Jasour – Clive Cox

Has finished behind Inisherin on his last two starts, both at Royal Ascot and in the July Cup. However, his tendency to lose his race at the start is a trait he has picked up which would be a worry. Certainly, has enough ability to run well but needs much more to reverse form with the principles.

Kind Of Blue – James Fanshawe

Fourth in the Commonwealth Cup on only his third career start was a monstrous effort and has since finished behind Elite Status and Givemethebeatboys on his last two starts. Lightly raced for a horse of his ability but certainly has enough talent to feature and has a huge chance of improving further.

Swingalong – Karl Burke

Agonisingly close in this race last year and went down by a neck to Mill Stream in the July Cup with a few in here well behind. Her tendency to not get her head in front is a slight concern but with the Champion Jockey, William Buick on board, she has to be feared.

Unequal Love – William Haggas

Royal Ascot winner who followed up at York when only finding a couple two good, including Flora Of Bermuda. The strong pace on offer will certainly suit but this is by far the toughest race she has ever competed in to date.

Verdict

Kevin Ryan’s recent record in this race is worth noting and his horse, Inisherin, will be looking to replicate his Commonwealth Cup rout after failing to fire in the July Cup. Swingalong and Elite Status must both be respected from the Karl Burke team, but the vote goes to KIND OF BLUE who despite being lightly raced, is extremely talented. This will require a career-best undoubtedly, but James Fanshawe’s colt could be the answer in this.