BORDERLESCOTT and Equiano may miss Haydock’s Betfred Sprint Cup and head straight to Longchamp for the Prix l’Abbaye instead.
Haydock’s Group One feature on September 4 is a possible destination for several of those who finished behind shock 100-1 winner Sole Power in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York last week.
Runner-up Starspangledbanner is currently the 9-4 favourite for Haydock’s six-furlong autumn highlight, with Equiano 15-2 with Victor Chandler and Borderlescott a general 8-1 chance with most firms.
But connections of both Equiano and Borderlescott say they are more likely to head straight to France for the five-furlong Group One on October 3 in which they finished 11th and sixth respectively 12 months ago.
Borderlescott made a Lazarus-like comeback after being ruled out of the Nunthorpe at the end of July following a setback when winning at Goodwood.
The eight-year-old could only finish sixth on the Knavesmire in his bid for a hat-trick in the York Group One.
He is entered in the Sprint Cup on Saturday week, but Bastiman is keen to wait for the l’Abbaye.
Bastiman said: “He’s not lame or anything like that, but he just doesn’t seem 110%.
“He didn’t get the clearest of runs in the race but he just seemed to lack a gear or two.
“We’ll see how he gets on this week, but I’d probably say the Sprint Cup is unlikely at this stage.
“We’ll probably give him a bit of a break and then go back to France for the l’Abbaye.”
The Barry Hills-trained Equiano finished last of the 12 runners at York, although connections believes that was due to a slow start and unsuitable conditions on the Knavesmire.
Although he has not been ruled out of the Sprint Cup, connections may also wait for Longchamp.
Charlie Hills, assistant and son of the Lambourn handler, said: “He seems well, but I don’t think he handled the ground at all well.
“It (the ground) seemed to get a bit sandy and he was certainly not suited by it.
“He was also slowly away, which obviously didn’t go according to the plan as he’s a horse who needs to bounce out.
“The plan before the Nunthorpe was for him to go to Haydock, but we’ll do a few tests and keep an eye on him in the next week before we make any firm plans.”
Hills also saddled Prime Defender in the Nunthorpe. He finished fourth, but is suffering with lameness. Hills jnr added: “He ran a great race but he was struck into during the race.
“It’s nothing too serious, but we’re not in a position to make any plans for him just yet.”
Two-time Group One winner Kingsgate Native was also disappointing at York, finishing ninth.
But he could head to Haydock. Chris Richardson, managing director for owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: “He seems fine, but it was a very funny race for many reasons.
“We’ll have to see how things progress and discuss it with Sir Michael (Stoute), but Haydock would be an option.
“There’s also France (Prix de l’Abbaye) to consider, although nothing has yet to be finalised.”
TODAY’S NAP: Big Boom (5.50pm Leicester).
