Sprint return for Reckless Clive Cox is eyeing Haydock's Betfred Sprint Cup as a possible return date for Reckless Abandon. The three-year-old was unbeaten in five starts as a juvenile last term, including Group One victories in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes, both run over six furlongs. Reckless Abandon has run twice so far this term over the minimum trip, claiming a narrow third in the Temple Stakes before finishing fifth in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot. Cox had intended to step back up in trip in the July Cup but a swollen gland on the colt's jaw forced him to skip that date and the trainer does not want to rush him back. Reckless Abandon had been under consideration for the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville but Cox believes the Haydock Group One on September 7 could be a better starting point. "We just had that slight setback with him around the time of the July Cup and another couple of weeks would be in his favour," he said. "I'd say that Haydock would be the most likely race, but he's in (the Coolmore Nunthorpe) at York (on August 23) and we will keep an eye on all the options. "We are keen to step him back up to six furlongs and I think we are on an upward curve with him in terms of progression."
