Dutch A Doubt For Haydock Feature

Dutch Art, a general 7-1 shot for the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock, is only '50-50' to run on Saturday.

Peter Chapple-Hyam wants to saddle the dual Group One winner in the six-furlong feature along with stablemate Al Qasi, but is concerned by the prospect of quick ground for both of them.

The Newmarket handler said: 'It is good to firm at Haydock at the moment and that is not ideal for either Dutch Art or Al Qasi.

'It is 50-50 whether they'll run and we need a good shower of rain for both of them.

'But they are in good form and we have other options for them should they not head to Haydock,' he told www.peterchapplehyam.com.

The likely fast ground has also scuppered Mick Channon's chances of being double-handed in the #300,000 feature.

He had been hoping to run Silver Touch and Mutawaajid but the current conditions has seen him rule out the first-named contender.

He said: 'The ground will be too firm for Silver Touch and we'll keep her for another day.'

Although Silver Touch will not take her chance, Channon will still be represented by former Australian runner Mutawaajid.

He will be having his third start for Channon following unplaced runs in the July Cup and Lennox Stakes but the trainer expects a better show after giving his charge more time to acclimatise.

'Mutawaajid is a definite runner and went well this morning behind a lead horse,' said Channon.

'He's really starting to thrive and looks much better in his coat. Darryll Holland rides.'

Irish raider Miss Beatrix could bid to get her season back on track in the big race.

The Kevin Prendergast-trained filly won the Moyglare Stud Stakes and Goffs Million last term but failed to sparkle when finishing down the field in the 1000 Guineas on her only start this term.

Prendergast said: 'Miss Beatrix could head for the Sprint Cup.

'She'll do a piece of work and then depending on how she goes, I'll speak to the owners and we'll make a decision on whether she heads to Haydock.

'She came back very flat and very sick after the 1000 Guineas and we had to start off again but she seems to have come back to herself now.'

Miss Beatrix would be stepping back to six furlongs if she bids to emulate the last Irish-trained winner, Abergwaun, who triumphed for Vincent O'Brien in 1972.

'She won her Group One at seven furlongs but she has speed and was third in the Group One Phoenix Stakes at the trip,' explained Prendergast.

'When they win Group Ones it is very hard to place them unless you take on the best in Group Ones.'

Prendergast also has Haatef engaged in the Group One feature, but the trainer added: 'Haatef most likely won't go for the Sprint Cup.'

(C) PA Sport