Monthly Preview
SEPTEMBER 2012
Roger Charlton has won the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock twice in the past with Tamarisk in 1998 and Tante Rose six years later. Bated Breath came mighty close in the event 12 months ago when denied by Dream Ahead but he has obvious claims to go one better this time. Hugely impressive in the Temple Stakes at the same track in May, he was runner-up at Royal Ascot in the King’s Stand Stakes next time. His opponents are likely to include Group 1 winner Society Rock and a couple to keep an eye out for are last year’s Ayr Gold Cup winner Our Jonathan and recent Stewards’ Cup winner Hawkeyethenoo. Watch all the action unfold on Racing UK.
Talking of the Ayr Gold Cup, the Racing UK cameras head to the West coast of Scotland for three fantastic days (20–22). David Nicholls has been very much the man to follow in the six-furlongs cavalry charge since the turn of the century winning it on six occasions. Victoire De Lyphar finished second in the race a couple of years ago but needs to bounce back. Kevin Ryan has won the race twice in the last five years and anything the Hambleton yard fields warrants respect. It is 16 years since fellow Yorkshire trainer David Barron won the Ayr Gold Cup but he could run the useful Pearl Ice. Purchased from Sir Mark Prescott, he remains well handicapped and is one to look out for. The Bronze and Silver Cups also take place on the final day of the meeting and it promises to be a tremendous day’s action. Keep an eye out for the Jim Goldie-trained Jack Dexter over the three days. He is a winner waiting to happen.
The John Smith’s Cup takes place at Newbury on Saturday 22nd and Luca Cumani is usually the man to follow having won the event in the past with Presvis and Forte Dei Marmi. Zetland Gold Cup winner Danadana looks like being his number one contender this year with Kirthill offering able back-up.
The month rounds off with a terrific three-day meeting at Newmarket. The Group 1 Fillies Mile and Cheveley Park Stakes offer the highlights.
