ANGEL CAN FLY THROUGH MUD

IF THE weather forecast is correct, conditions at Haydock may favour three-mile staying chasers rather than the fastest horses in training by the time of today’s 32Red Sprint Cup.

The prospect of testing ground looks sure to set morning favourite HARRY ANGEL ( Haydock, 2.25) the stiffest examination of his career. Bookmakers have been keen to lay a horse who has displayed significant improvement on a sound surface, while the mud-loving Brando and The Tin Man, runner-up 12 months ago, have attracted support.

However, Harry Angel, scintillating winner of the July Cup when last seen, coped well with plenty of ease in the ground at Newbury as a juvenile when routing his rivals in the Mill Reef Stakes and I’m not certain any horse will truly enjoy the state of today’s track, which must surely ride heavy by post time.

The likes of The Tin Man, Growl and Tasleet have all recorded excellent efforts on a soft surface but I would rather side with the proven class of Harry Angel ( pictured with trainer Clive Cox). Four-time Group One winner

WINTER (Leopardstown, 5.35) returns from a break and should take the beating in the Matron Stakes, but the Ballydoyle operation may not land a featurerace double with Churchill in the Irish Champion Stakes as the prospect of 10 furlongs and very soft ground may not suit the Qipco Guineas winner.

In contrast, POET’S WORD (Leopardstown, 6.45) will adore the ground and could be a spot of value to upset one or two more fancied rivals.