Kate Tracey was accompanied by Callum Helliwell and Declan Rix as they set the scene for a bustling weekend of racing, highlighted by the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock. The contest will feature eight contenders tackling a six‑furlong sprint under what promises to be testing, heavy ground conditions. At the top of the betting market sits Almeraq, who is looking to rebound after a disappointing run in the July Cup. The colt’s connections are hopeful that the heavy going will suit his robust profile.
Also in the mix are the Wathnan partnership’s Kind Of Blue and Paborus, each eager to capitalize on the soft terrain. Representing trainers Andrew Balding and Clive Cox are Marvelman and Coppull respectively, while last year’s victor Big Mojo returns with the intention of defending his crown. "I’m backing the favourite Almeraq," said Callum Helliwell.
"He’s a wonderful horse who deserves a lot of credit after that horrific fall at York – it was a classic mother‑and‑father fall. To come back and win his first start in the Cathedral Stakes felt like someone had said a prayer for him. "Not only did he win the Cathedral, he then headed to Royal Ascot and captured the QEII Jubilee. Tom Marquand mentioned he felt a little claustrophobic, but I love that Almeraq sustains his runs and maintains a good attitude.
"He has a strong shoulder and I think he’ll cope with the heavy ground. He’s shown plenty of form on soft going throughout his career, and while we’ll have to see how he handles truly heavy turf, I think you can completely forgive his July Cup performance – it was his first time descending a hill and the field broke, leaving him caught on a wing. He ran too keen, got no cover and the ground was too quick for him.
"If he runs like any of the horses the William Haggas team put in at Haydock on Thursday, he’ll be right up there because they’re in great order." Hollie Doyle also chimed in about Owen Burrows’ filly, suggesting she could claim success in the Park Hill later in the day. The Sky Sports Racing schedule is packed, with the Doncaster Leger meeting kicking off with the Park Hill and May Hill clashes, and jumps action from Sedgefield and Bangor‑on‑Dee slated for the week.
Francis‑Henri Graffard offered his thoughts on Marvelman, expressing a desire for rain: "I absolutely love Marvelman in this – bring on the rain! I want it to be an absolute bog by the time Marvelman gets there. We’ll have another day of racing before then!
In the Park Stakes on September 13 last year it was a great birthday present for Callum, as he absolutely gagged up. He ran a mighty race last time, having them all off it from a long way home when finishing third in top‑class company.
Keep the rain coming!" Turning to the defending champion, Big Mojo, the pundits were optimistic. "I’m going to be with Big Mojo to repeat the feat from last year," said a commentator. "I thought 9/1 was a fair price – although not as short as last year when he took full advantage of the draw bias.
He has a similar draw this time so I’m hoping it will come to the fore. Three runs ago he finished a respectable eighth in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, showing he could hold his own against elite competition. The July Cup was a low point – he looked like a nightmare, hanging badly and appearing overly keen.
Yet his form at the Curragh in a Group 3 later that season demonstrated his resilience and hinted at a return to winning ways. The heavy ground at Haydock could provide the perfect platform for Big Mojo to showcase his stamina and turn of foot. His connections believe the softer surface will neutralize some of the speedier rivals and allow his strong, steady cruising speed to shine. If he can replicate the tactical ride that saw him triumph last year – sitting just off the pace before sweeping through the field in the straight – he stands a very real chance of adding a second Sprint Cup to his résumé.
Overall, the Sprint Cup promises a compelling mix of proven Group winners, emerging talent, and seasoned campaigners all vying for a prestigious six‑furlong title under demanding conditions. Spectators can expect a tactical battle, with trainers likely to target the heavy going to suit their horses’ preferences. Whether Almeraq’s resurgence, Marvelman’s rain‑loving pedigree, or Big Mojo’s bid to defend his crown will prevail remains to be seen, but the excitement is already building. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for live updates, expert analysis, and post‑race interviews on Sky Sports Racing and the At The Races YouTube channel, where the Weekend Winners program will provide in‑depth coverage of the action.