Secret Heads Sprint Contenders

Sakhee's Secret heads a field of 16 declared for the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday.

Hughie Morrison's three-year-old bids to stretch his unbeaten record this season to five as he aims to follow up his brilliant victory in the Darley July Cup.

Seven horses who finished behind him at Newmarket ? Red Clubs (third), Marchand D'Or (fourth), Asset (sixth), Hellvelyn (eighth), Mutawaajid (ninth), Amadeus Wolf (12th) and Balthazaar's Gift (17th) ? are out for revenge.

Bryan Smart believes his runner, Hellvelyn, goes there with a 'fighting chance'.

Last year's Coventry Stakes winner was making a belated seasonal debut when beaten just over four lengths behind Sakhee's Secret at Newmarket.

And he showed the benefit of that when getting up on the line to deny Borderlescott over five furlongs at Beverley.

'He's in great form, looks great. He'll do a two-furlong blow, and he's ready,' said Smart.

'I'm very happy with him ? we go there with a fighting chance.

'Everything should be fine ? good to firm ground should be perfect.

'I was thrilled to bits with his win at Beverley and I think he has a good each-way chance.'

As well as last year's third, Amadeus Wolf, trainer Kevin Ryan has left in Advanced and Wi Dud, while Tim Easterby is double-handed with Fayr Jag and Somnus, winner of this race in 2003.

John Dunlop's duo, Per Incanto and Scarlet Runner, along with Sierra Vista and Al Qasi complete the field.

As expected Peter Chapple-Hyam has withdrawn Dutch Art because of the forecast fast conditions.

The Newmarket trainer could still be represented by Al Qasi, but warns last month's Curragh winner will only run if the ground is suitable.

Golden Jubilee Stakes hero Soldier's Tale was another anticipated absentee.

(C) PA Sport