Maarek Defends Sprint Crown Last year's winner Maarek will face 13 rivals as he aims to repeat his victory in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint at Ascot on Saturday. Having switched stables form David Nagle to Barry Lalor halfway through the season, the mud-loving six-year-old has returned right back to his best on his last two outings, winning a Group Three at Newbury and arguably producing a career-best performance to win the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp, the first Group One of his career. Second last year was Jim Goldie's Hawkeyethenoo and the pair will do battle once more, but the bookmakers feel Maarek will have more to fear from Goldie's Jack Dexter, third in the Ayr Gold Cup off top-weight. Eddie Lynam is another trainer with multiple entries. He will be represented by the globe-trotting Balmont Mast, Slade Power and the filly, Viztoria, but Sole Power will miss the race on account of the soft ground. Tommy Stack's Cape Of Approval completes a strong Irish raiding party. Mass Rally steps up in class after winning a handicap at York last week, while Richard Fahey's Heaven's Guest, winner of the Challenge Cup two weeks ago, was supplemented on Monday. Racy, Hoof It, Humidor, Excellent Guest and Sirius Prospect, third last year, complete the field.
