From Racing Post..... off to France for Iffraaj.
Iffraaj not among 11 in Sprint Cup
by Thomas Deane
IFFRAAJ is an eyecatching absentee from Saturday's Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock, in which Reverence (pic) heads a total of 11 declarations.
Eric Alston's progressive five-year-old was an impressive winner of the Nunthorpe at York last week and he will bid to land his second Group 1 success in this weekend's 6f test.
The Kevin Ryan-trained Amadeus Wolf chased home Alston's charge on the Knavesmire and he is set to renew rivalry along with Red Clubs and Steenberg, who finished fifth and seventh respectively.
Excusez Moi comes into the race in goodform having landed the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last time out, while David Chapman's evergreen Quito will bid to gain his 20th career success in the £300,000 attraction.
Kodiac, Philharmonic and Balthazaar's Gift also take their chance, along with TimEasterby's Somnus, who lifted this prize back in 2003.
The Michael Halford-trained Miss Sally will be Ireland's sole representative after Aidan O'Brien chose not to declare Chief Crazy Horse.
Connections of Miss Sally are "hopeful of a big run" from the filly as she bids for a first win at the highest level.
She will be going into the race on the back of a sixth-place finish behind Moss Vale in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh earlier this month on an unsuitably fast surface.
With conditions at Haydock set to be testing, she will have conditions more to her liking at the weekend.
"She'll love the ground," said Halford.
"We've had this race in mind for her all season and I just hope the ground brings out the best in her.
"She's in good form and she does handle that ground particularly well.
"Hopefully they'll go fast and we've always thought testing ground or soft ground in a 6f race were her ideal conditions."
Recalling her last start, he said: "It was a muddling race at the Curragh. They didn't go very fast and she was handy and then they came flying by her and she was staying back at them again on ground too quick for her.
"She's better than that.
"She's in good heart now. We are delighted with her and she's checked out good and she's travelling over tonight.
"She's a big, strong filly and it's the first time she's travelled away from home but hopefully she'll be OK.
"We are hopeful of a big run from her."
Reverence has been promoted to 9-4 favourite with Coral following the defection of Iffraaj.
The firm rate Amadeus Wolf a 100-30 chance and have Quito next in their market at 15-2.
|