By Nick Robson
Inisherin goes into Saturday’s Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes with a bit to prove but is backed to come good again at Haydock.
The three-year-old disappointed when taking on his elders for the first time in the July Cup, finishing fifth as a hot favourite at Newmarket.
However, Kevin Ryan has put forward a couple of valid excuses for that effort, notably that his charge was coming off a busy campaign in the first half of the season.
He has since been freshened up by a two-month break and can hopefully now return to the form of his Sandy Lane Stakes romp at this venue and a convincing Commonwealth Cup triumph.
On both occasions, Inisherin was able to travel strongly in a prominent position and quicken up late on, tactics which can help him to dominate once more this weekend.
Without his presence, this contest would feel like a bit of a lottery, so stick with by far the classiest runner in the field to prove a cut above.
Clove Hitch is another selection fancied to put a defeat behind her in the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Superior Mile Stakes.
Andrew Balding’s filly returned battered and a touch bruised from a Sandown fifth but warrants another chance on her previous exploits.
The Juddmonte-owned daughter of Siyouni was not beaten far when third of 17 behind Economics in a red-hot Newbury maiden and was visually impressive when bolting up by eight lengths at that venue in June.
Ebor third Oneforthegutter is a course winner and has solid each-way claims in the Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap from an in-form yard.
Shagraan looked a really progressive sort when beating a big field at Goodwood and was far from disgraced on a 5lb higher mark when fifth of 22 at York.
Oisin Murphy takes over in the saddle for the Betfair Be Friendly Handicap and Mick Appleby’s three-year-old looks sure to be there or thereabouts.
Ascot can again prove a happy hunting ground for The Wizard Of Eye in the bet365 Handicap.
The five-year-old kept on well to win the Victoria Cup on his first start for Charlie Fellowes and then ran a cracker when sixth in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting.
He has had a setback since and will be returning from a 77-day lay-off here, but reports suggest the Galileo Gold gelding has been working nicely at home.
Goodwood Odyssey really caught the eye when scoring last time out and there may still be more improvement to come from David Menuisier’s Ulysses colt in the Lavazza Stakes.
Lion’s Pride is just preferred to Hamish in the Unibet September Stakes at Kempton.
John and Thady Gosden’s charge has yet to hit top form so far this season but is a proven performer on this surface.
He upset dual elite-level winner Measured Time here last November and also has a course victory over Middle Earth to his credit.
Rhythm N Rock looks to have been laid out for the Unibet London Mile Series Final Handicap.
John Butler’s six-year-old was placed in a trio of qualifiers earlier this year and has been kept back for this crack at a big prize.
Saturday racing tips
ASCOT: 1.35 The Wizard Of Eye, 2.10 Goodwood Odyssey, 2.45 Shah, 3.20 Brioni, 3.55 Two Tribes, 4.30 Surveyor, 5.05 Brooklyn Nine Nine.
HAYDOCK: 1.15 Clove Hitch, 1.50 Hutchence, 2.25 Oneforthegutter, 3.00 Shagraan, 3.35 INISHERIN (NAP), 4.07 Age Of Gold, 4.40 Arkhalia Flynn, 5.15 Al Rufaa.
KEMPTON: 2.00 It Ain’t Two, 2.35 Lion’s Pride, 3.15 Rhythm N Rock, 3.45 Fearless Freddy, 4.20 Intervention, 4.55 Assail, 5.30 Banderas.
NAVAN: 2.15 Moonhall Church, 2.50 Snapdragon, 3.25 Realtin Fantasy, 4.00 Emerald Harmony, 4.35 North Africa, 5.10 Rampage, 5.40 Mick Collins.
STRATFORD: 4.12 River Robe, 4.45 Roaring Legend, 5.20 Begin The Luck, 5.50 Don Rafael, 6.20 Forget The Way, 6.50 Serious Chat.
THIRSK: 2.05 Bella Love, 2.40 What’s She At, 3.10 Sir David, 3.50 Mukaafah, 4.25 Triumph Of Peace, 5.00 Pol Roger, 5.35 Cruyff Turn, 6.10 Scottish Summit.
WOLVERHAMPTON: 4.50 Pinball Wizard, 5.25 Prophet’s Path, 6.00 Star Of Mehmas, 6.30 Solar Biricz, 7.00 Ramaah, 7.30 Overnight Oats, 8.00 Dark Side Prince, 8.30 La Sonnambula.
DOUBLE: Lion’s Pride and Inisherin