Features / Timeform / 03 September 2010 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet View Market

Timeform look ahead to the weekend racing action...

"Starspangledbanner, winner of the Golden Jubilee and July Cup, looks sure to be a warm order for the six furlong showpiece"

The Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock heads the domestic action this weekend, and Starspangledbanner, winner of the Golden Jubilee and July Cup, looks sure to be a warm order for the six furlong showpiece. Aidan O'Brien's four-year-old reverts to six furlongs, having seemed unsuited by the drop to the minimum trip when runner-up to Sole Power in the Nunthorpe Stakes last time. After the unfortunate late defection of King's Stand winner Equiano, the opposition includes Group 1 winners Regal Parade, Borderlescott and Kingsgate Native. Also worthy of mention are King's Stand second Markab, and three-year-old-filly Lady Of The Desert, who has looked stretched by longer trips this year.

There is good racing at Kempton on Saturday, with two Group 3's, the Sirenia Stakes and the September Stakes, the feature events. Lowther winner Hooray will face stern opposition in the Sirenia from the likes of Richmond Stakes runner-up The Paddyman, and wide-margin maiden winner Signs In The Sand. The September Stakes has an open look to it, with several of the nine runners holding good claims.

Also on Saturday, Juddmonte winner Rip Van Winkle will look for back-to-back Group 1 wins when lining up in the Irish Champion Stakes, highlight of an excellent card at Leopardstown on Saturday. Twice Over looks the main threat to Rip Van Winkle, having produced a career-best effort when run down late by the Ballydoyle colt in the Juddmonte. The Matron Stakes is the other Group 1 on the card, and an interesting race is in store with Group 1 winning-fillies Music Show, Bethrah and Lillie Langtry all set to clash. The sole mare in the race is Spacious, who finished a good second to Music Show in the Falmouth last time out.

Multiple Group 1 winner Paco Boy heads to France for the Prix Du Moulin at Longchamp on Sunday. The Richard Hannon-trained miler looks to have an excellent chance, though Prix Du Jockey Club winner Lope De Vega will be a threat if bouncing back from a poor effort in the Prix Jean Prat in July.

Tags: Haydock, Kempton, Leopardstown, Longchamp, Timeform, Weekend Preview