Sheikh Mohammed Obaid's Strong Contingent Set for Betfair Sprint Cup Showdown at Haydock

Owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid will field a formidable team in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday, with top sprinters Inisherin and Elite Status among the 16 declared for the Group One contest. The pair are expected to be prominent in the betting and bring strong form to one of the season’s most prestigious sprinting events.

Kevin Ryan’s Inisherin, who clinched Royal Ascot glory earlier this summer, returns to Haydock with a proven track record, having already won the Sandy Lane Stakes at the same venue. Meanwhile, Elite Status, trained by Karl Burke, has enjoyed a stellar season with two victories at Newbury and will be looking to extend his winning streak in this highly competitive field.

Burke is well-represented in the race, with two additional contenders: Spycatcher, fresh off a win in Deauville, and Swingalong, who finished fourth in this race last year. The strength of Burke's challenge underlines his stable’s depth in the sprinting division.

Clive Cox's Jasour, who missed an outing at Goodwood due to a setback, returns to action, while last year's runner-up, Shouldvebeenaring, aims to go one better for trainer Richard Hannon and owners Middleham Park Racing. The consistent sprinter has been knocking on the door this season and could pose a serious threat.

One notable absentee is William Haggas’ Lake Forest, who was expected to take his place in the field but has been rerouted to Doncaster’s Park Stakes next week. Haggas will instead rely on Montassib, winner of the Chipchase Stakes, and Unequal Love, who captured the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Another high-profile absentee is Ralph Beckett's Kinross, who was narrowly defeated by Montassib at Newcastle earlier this season. Kinross, like Lake Forest, is also set to line up at Doncaster.

Mick Appleby’s Annaf makes his first appearance of the season, while Tim Easterby’s Art Power, a runner-up in several top races this term, seeks his first win of the campaign. A lover of soft ground, connections are hoping for rain on Merseyside to boost his chances. “Sadly, the north is not getting the rain that the south is getting for the next couple of days, but I think it will be fine for him to run,” said Alastair Donald, racing manager for owners King Power Racing.

“He’s been running well all year and he hasn’t yet had his ground, not once. It’s not going to be quick on Saturday, so it’s very likely he’ll run, but any rain would obviously be preferred.”

Irish hopes in the race include Adrian Murray’s Group One-winning juvenile Bucanero Fuerte, Jessica Harrington’s Givemethebeatboys, and Ken Condon’s Moss Tucker, all making the journey across the Irish Sea.

The field is rounded out by Charlie Fellowes’ Vadream, James Fanshawe’s Kind Of Blue, and Andrew Balding’s Flora Of Bermuda, the latter having been supplemented into the race for £20,000 earlier this week. The stacked line-up promises an intense battle for the coveted Group One prize, with several top-class sprinters vying for glory on the Haydock turf.