Weekend Preview: Sprinters head to Haydock

The place to start on Saturday is Haydock, with the feature races on their seven-race card being the Sprint Cup and the Old Borough Cup. The first mentioned, a Group 1 sprint over six furlongs, looks an excellent contest, with Nunthorpe winner Ortensia heading the field of 15. Foremost among her rivals are Strong Suit, Bated Breath and Wizz Kid, and you can read more on this event in our ante-post preview by clicking HERE.

This year's Old Borough Cup is as competitive as ever but lacks an outstanding candidate, making for a tricky punting proposition. The John Gosden-trained Tropical Beat has his quirks, but a repeat of his third to Kirthill at York last time would give him strong claims, with Gosbeck and Lyric Street seemingly heading the dangers.

A field of 10 go to post for the Group 3 September Stakes, staged at Kempton over a mile and a half, with it being possible to give a chance to the majority. Arguably making most appeal is Sagramor, who has improved in his two starts this year, with the Godolphin pair Modun and Calvados Blues likely to give him most to think about.

It is well worth paying attention to the action at Leopardstown on Saturday, as they stage a fascinating eight-race card headlined by the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes. Just six will go to post, but numbering among them are British raiders Nathaniel and Snow Fairy, who are tied at the top of the Timeform weight-adjusted ratings, and the top-class St Nicholas Abbey. Born to Sea, Daddy Long Legs and Light Heavy complete the field, and more can be read on the race in our ante-post preview by clicking HERE.

The Group 1 Matron Stakes also features on Leopardstown's card, and this looks an excellent race with Emulous and Chachamaidee figuring prominently on the ratings. Alanza, Duntle and Maybe also look set to take part in the mile event.

Moving on to Sunday, where there will be racing at Fontwell Park, York and the Curragh. The last-mentioned track arguably features the most interesting action, playing host to a brace of Group 3's, a Group 2 and a Group 1.

The Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes, for two-year-old fillies over a mile, is of particular interest, with a host of entrants likely to progress and improve. My Special J's and Harasiya set the standard but one that catches the eye is Just The Judge, trained by Charlie Hills. She is unbeaten in two starts, both at Newbury, and took a listed event in good style on the latter occasion.

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