WISDOM

ALL eyes will be on Clive Cox’s HARRY ANGEL as he attempts to become the first back-to-back winner of Haydock’s Sprint Cup for 51 years. Be Friendly won in 1966 and then again the following season. Something else of sporting significance took place that first year, but I can’t remember what.

The Sprint Cup was granted Group 1 status in 1988 and has been won by some smart horses, including Diktat and Invincible Spirit.

The first thing to mention about Harry Angel is that his form is head and nostrils above today’s rivals.

The second is his price — anything around even money or just below looks decent value to me.

The concern around Cox’s fouryear-old will be at the start of the race as opposed to the finish.

Harry Angel has long had a problem in the stalls, one likely exacerbated by his last run at Ascot, which not only saw him stuck in the stalls but where he sustained a bad injury. Those backing him will be holding their breath at the off, but if he gets out without incident then he should be very hard to beat. He goes on any ground and has won every race he’s run that hasn’t been at Ascot. Connections sound delightfully bullish about his chances but it’s the lack of an alternative that really cements him as a pick. He beat Brando and Sir Dancealot convincingly at York, while The Tin Man was back in third behind Harry Angel in this contest last year. Whereas Harry Angel acts on all surfaces, a lot of his opponents — including The Tin Man — would prefer a sounder terrain than likely today. Commonwealth Cup winner Eqtidaar looks like a decent each-way shot given Jim Crowley has chosen him over Tasleet, who is half the price in the betting. GAMBLING Chico Marx