Haydock Sprint Cup Entries: Emaraaty Ana set to defend title

The Haydock Sprint Cup looks set to be another thrilling renewal in the North West this Saturday with plenty of intriguing runners left in the potential field after the latest entry stage. We take a look at the possible runners and profile some of those towards the top of the market...

Last season's Sprint Cup champion Emaraaty Ana is in the field for the 2022 renewal and looks to be one of the main protagonists for the six furlong showpiece at Haydock Park. Kevin Ryan's admirable six year old claimed the title in 2021 by the shortest of margins, just beating Starman in a photo finish for Group One glory. After last season's September success he embarked on an unsuccessful globetrotting winter, with some poor runs and even worse finishing positions thrown in. Returning to Britain, he has slowly built this season and looked back to his best when a good third over five furlongs in the Nunthorpe last time out at York. The gelding is third favourite at around 7/1 at the time of writing, and the duo ahead of him cannot be split with most firms.

Firstly Minzaal for Owen Burrows is a co market leader and his form took an almighty boost when the horse that defeated him at Deauville by just a length and a half Highfield Princess won the Nunthorpe. That second placed finish in France was arguably a career best from Burrows's inmate and he clearly comes here in fine form so deserves his place atop the market. Jousting him for outright favouritism is Naval Crown, the Platinum Jubilee Stakes winner at Royal Ascot who has had a busy campaign running with credit in top class contests. He was second in the July Cup at Newmarket before finishing just behind Emaraaty Ana last time out in fourth in the Nunthorpe. William Buick is on fire at the minute and looks set to take the ride so once again this is a challenger worthy of favouritism.

Kinross was just touched off in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood but made amends with a Group Two win at York last time out and the drop in trip should be no problem for Ralph Beckett's runner here at Haydock. Rohaan disappointed in the City of York Stakes behind the aforementioned Kinross last time out but has looked threatening all season prior to this and six is certainly his trip so he is respected by oddsmakers. Go Bears Go finished in behind the favourite Minzaal at Newbury earlier this season but trainer David Loughnane is bullish about his chances here and at double figure odds he could be a tempting each-way poke for many.

Of the horses currently priced at 20/1 or higher Khaadem certainly looks one to keep an eye on after he has looked a much more consistent horse this campaign, the highlight being his win in the King George Stakes at Goodwood. Another interesting looking outsider is Great Ambassador, currently available at 33/1 for Group One glory which looks a more than fair price. If all the entrants line up it should be a brilliant spectacle watching them tear up the turf at Haydock live on ITV Racing this Saturday.