As the Kevin Ryan-trained Emaraaty Ana charged down the straight to win by a short head from Starman in the Haydock Sprint Cup last year, it once again reiterated to racing fans that the six-furlong Group 1 affair is one of the most exhilarating fixtures on the UK & Ireland’s racing calendar.
2022 appears as though it won’t be any different, with the field entered in this month’s race filled with a talented crop of thoroughbreds in good form. Whether you’re an avid fan of the sport or simply want more information to help you place an educated horse racing bet – read on as we dissect who has been deemed the major threats by the bookies at the time of writing.
Minzaal
Entering as the 4/1 favourite, this four-year-old colt is coming off two strong performances at Deauville and Newbury, where he finished first and second respectively. His run in France was particularly impressive – as although he was beaten by three-quarters-of-a-length – it was a promising effort against a deep field that included the eventual Nunthorpe Stakes winner Highfield Princess.
If he can put forth a similar run this weekend in what is his first run at Group 1 level, there will be plenty of high-profile races on the horizon for Minzaal over the remaining months of the flat racing season and into 2023.
Naval Crown
This Godolphin-trained thoroughbred has shown regular signs of promise in his two-year career – however – inconsistency has plagued his progression. After either winning or securing a place in his first eight outings, the four-year-old hasstruggled to keep that form in the nine races subsequent to that.
While he has managed to bag wins at Meydan and in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot this year, his 2022 campaign also comprises of a disappointing 11th place finish at Riyadh and a less than stellar run in his most recent showing at Deauville in August.
Despite his up-and-down form, Naval Crown has proven time and time again that he invariably follows up a poor performance with solid one. With that in mind, the 5/1 chance could be in with a real shot come race day.
Emaraaty Ana
Despite his poor form in 2022, trainer Kevin Ryan will be hoping that his gelding can become the first horse to secure back-to-back Sprint Cup’s since Be Friendly achieved the feat in 1966 & 1967. With three consecutive 15th place finishes and a sixth-place finish in his four outings prior to his run at York, it was imperative that Emaraaty Ana returned to form when he saddled up in the Nunthorpe Stakes in August. He did just that, putting forth a valiant effort to secure third, only bested by big name sprinters Highfield Princess and The Platinum Queen.
That will provide his connections with a much-needed confidence boost heading into Sunday’s race – and it looks as though punters agree – with the six-year-old entering as the third favourite at odds of 7/1.
With the horses lining up in the Sprint Cup entering with suchdiffering form – you may need to have a look at the in-depth racing predicitions from Paddy Power to aid your betting decisions this weekend.
