Hell Well Ahead Of Haydock Tilt

Hellvelyn is reported to be as sharp as a tack ahead of Saturday's Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Last season's Coventry Stakes winner, who also chased home Holy Roman Emperor in Group One company, has a bit to find with the red-hot favourite Sakhee's Secret on recent form.

He was beaten four and a quarter lengths in eighth behind Hughie Morrison's star in the July Cup on his reappearance for the year, but enjoyed a confidence-booster in the Listed Beverley Bullet Stakes less than two weeks ago.

Smart told Racing UK: 'We are really pleased we found a race in between to give him a sharpener ? even though it was over five (furlongs).

He's come back after the race and knows he's won and he's his usual boy of a self at home so that's good.

'You've got to be positive (at turning the July Cup form around).

'My head lad rode him a nice piece over three and a half furlongs and said he felt as good, if not better than when he went for the Bullet.'

Hellvelyn's task could become a little easier with Soldier's Tale becoming the latest high-profile entry in the race likely to miss out unless conditions at Haydock ease.

Peter Chapple-Hyam issued a similar warning on Tuesday about the participation of his pair, Dutch Art and Al Qasi, with the ground at the Lancashire circuit still good to firm.

Now Soldier's Tale, trained by Jeremy Noseda and an 11-1 shot with the sponsors, has his connections concerned.

The chestnut has not been seen since his victory in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot because conditions have not been in his favour.

The trainer told www.jeremynoseda.com: 'Soldier's Tale is in very good order.

'He worked this morning and is all set, ready to go but I don't think it's going to happen as it is unlikely that the ground conditions will suit him.

'I will be having a chat with his owner (on Wednesday) to decide whether we declare the horse or not in the vain hope that the rain may arrive for him at Haydock.'

Asset's team are hoping first-time blinkers can work the oracle.

Richard Hannon's charge won a Listed event earlier in the season before showing up well in both the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot and the July Cup.

Asset was last seen when finishing a creditable second over seven furlongs at Goodwood and Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, reports him to be in top shape.

'He's in good form. We just gave him a bit of a break after Goodwood and he had nearly two weeks of light exercise,' he said.

'He also spent some time at Jamie Magee's yard near Wantage to try to freshen him up a bit with Haydock in mind.

'We also gave him a piece of work in blinkers as he just appeared to be dossing a bit in the middle of the race, both in the July Cup and at Goodwood.

'It was very positive so we hope the blinkers will stop the horse losing valuable ground in the middle of the race and make a big difference.'

'Sakhee's Secret is obviously the one to beat but it's sometimes difficult to read these sprints.'

Asset will also have a new rider as both of his regular partners are required elsewhere.

'Frankie Dettori takes the ride as Richard Hughes and Ryan Moore are needed to ride in Ireland,' Herbert added.

'Obviously we are thrilled to bits to have Frankie and hopefully the combination of a new jockey, blinkers and fast ground will work well.'

(C) PA Sport