TOP JOCKEY Richard Hughes teams up with Bewitched for the first time in today’s Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock as the filly attempts to bridge a 39-year gap, writes Brian O’Connor.
Abergwaun is the only Irish trained winner of the Group One event having scored for Vincent O’Brien in 1972. The legendary trainer’s son Charles has patiently brought Bewitched back from a bad Royal Ascot experience in June to line her up against 15 other top sprinters this afternoon. She is joined in the race by Eddie Lynam’s Sole Power, last year’s 100 to 1 Nunthorpe winner who won the Temple Stakes at Haydock earlier this year but tackles six furlongs for the first time since his two-year-old days. Both Irish hopes face a strong home team headed by the July Cup winner Dream Ahead and the Golden Jubilee scorer Society Rock.
The strength of Jessica Harrington’s two-year-old team can be advertised once more at Dundalk tomorrow where Canaille can make it third time lucky in the conditions event. Canaille was surprised by Astrology at Leopardstown on his last start and that form looks strong enough for this assignment.
