Architect has three betting tips for Day 1 of the Sprint Cup Festival at Haydock.
15:40 Haydock
KING CASPER (best price 3/1) caught the eye when fifth of 18 on debut at York, and although he was beaten more than 10 lengths, he would have finished closer with a clear passage.
Nevertheless, Hugo Palmer’s charge confirmed that initial promise to comfortably open his account at this course over six furlongs, in which he had a subsequent winner in behind.
He will have to shoulder a penalty on this occasion, but he’s open to further improvement and the only horse with winning form. I can see him taking plenty of beating in this contest.
16:17 Haydock
DEFENCE MINISTER (best price 1/1) beat a useful-looking field on debut at Newmarket and could be the answer to this contest with the potential to rank higher.
This son of Too Darn Hot was slowly away on debut at HQ, but that didn’t stop him from making smooth progress through the field before staying on well to score with a bit to spare.
Every indication of that performance suggested he could turn out to be above-average, so with the prospect of plenty more to come, James Doyle’s mount can remain unbeaten.
16:50 Haydock
WISPER (best price 9/1) needs plenty of luck in running given her run style, but she’s been knocking on the door for a while now and deserves to get back on the scoresheet.
Marcus Tregoning’s mare would have won a stronger race than this at Goodwood on her penultimate start if she didn’t run into the back of a wall of horses when flying near the finish.
Her latest second at Lingfield was another sound effort, and the handicapper has dropped her mark 1lb with Joe Fanning booked to ride. I think she has a massive chance on these terms.
