Harry Angel and Blue Point well placed to provide Godolphin with another Sprint Cup victory

Blue Point – 10-1 ( e.w. ) Bet365 and Ladbrokes

The last and only time the famous blue silks of Godolphin were carried to victory in Haydock’s Group 1 32Red-backed Sprint Cup was courtesy of Diktak back in 1999 when the four-year-old, in the hands of Frankie Dettori, justified 13-8 favouritism by getting up close home to defeat Bertolini by a neck. Despite many attempts since then the powerful Dubai-based operation have failed to follow up this century but in Harry Angel and Blue Point they have an excellent opportunity to put that record straight this Saturday.

Made clear favourite for Haydock’s six furlong sprint since running out an impressive winner of Newmarket’s Dubai July Cup, Harry Angel is currently a best price 13-8 with Betfair Sportsbook to confirm that form with several of those who finished behind including runner-up Limato and third placed Brando. The Kevin Ryan-trained son of Pivotal has almost two lengths to make up on the winner but has since landed a Group 1 contest himself in the shape of Deauville’s Prix Maurice de Gheest.

"@itvracing: Harry Angel gets the better of Caravaggio pic.twitter.com/bwdHGhQ2Kw" Caravaggio best horse in world people was saying 😂😂😂

— TIGER ROLL🏇 (@NFFCMANN) July 15, 2017

While respectful of the Godolphin-owned favourite Ryan’s son and assistant Adam is expected a bold show from the stable’s star sprinter this time, saying: “ It sounds a bit daft but even though he’s a five-year-old he’s still improving. He hasn’t had that many runs and he’s quite a raw horse, he’s quite unexposed at that level and he’s still on the upgrade. It’s a Group 1 and far from a two-horse race. But if Brando puts up the same sort of performance he did in France he should be there or thereabouts.”

Horse racing news and tips: Caravaggio flops as Kevin Ryan’s Brando lifts Deauville Group One prize https://t.co/nisGNWKiL0

— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) August 6, 2017

Trainer Charlie Appleby, responsible for Godolphin’s ‘ second-string ‘ Blue Point is expecting his charge to improve upon his third place in Royal Ascot’s Commonwealth Cup when just half a length behind runner-up Harry Angel, on which he elaborated by saying: “ Harry Angel was taken on at the wrong stage for his run style and the winner ( Caravaggio ) was impressive on the day, but I felt the race built to finish how it did. It was a crowdpleaser but, more importantly, I was pleased with our horse. If you’re asking me do I think he’s a Group 1 horse? Yes. I think we’ll be bang there, for sure.”

Twenty entries left in the @32Red Sprint Cup at @HAYDOCKRACES on Saturday – including the first the first three home in Commonwealth Cup. pic.twitter.com/cwIZky0RX1

— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) September 4, 2017

Given a break since that creditable effort back in June the Shamardal colt will be having just his third start of the season and at the 10-1 available with several bookmakers looks sure to go close at the weekend.