RICHARD FAHEY expects ante-favourite Utmost Respect to make a bold bid for glory in this Saturday’s Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.
The four-year-old was among the 22 entries for Saturday’s Group One feature at Haydock’s high-class seven-race card.
Following the defection of previous favourite Kingsgate Native, Utmost Respect is now a best-priced 9-2 market leader with Coral and 4-1 with most other firms, including the sponsors.
Fahey’s charge scored an impressive victory in the Group Three Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle on soft ground and ran well to finish fourth behind Marchand D’Or in the Prix Maurice de Gheest last time.
The current soft ground at the Merseyside venue should ideal and with Warrington jockey Paul Hanagan set to ride again, Fahey thinks everything is on place for Utmost Respect.
The Yorkshire-based trainer said: “Utmost Respect is in serious order and we are looking forward to the weekend.
“The ground looks right at the moment and hopefully they will keep getting more rain as the softer the better for him.
“He ran really well in France last time and has been in great form since then so everything looks good.”
Fahey may also saddle outsider Knot In Wood.
HAYDOCK DETAILS: The first race is currently for 2.05pm. Admission: Newton Enclosure £10, Tattersalls £20, County Enclosure £34, and Premier Enclosure £45. Accompanied children aged under 16 enter free. Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half-price. More details are available at website www.haydock-park.co.uk.
TODAY’S NAP: Ingleby Arch (4.30pm Southwell).
