Fascinating Sprint Cup draws three Qatar contenders

Three colts associated with Qatar Racing join the line-up, headed by Extortionist (pictured), who will be ridden for the first time by Pat Smullen in the colours of Sheikh Suhaim. The three-year-old has only raced over today's trip of six furlongs once in 13 starts, when unplaced as a juvenile, but he is a tougher, stronger and more consistent sprinter now, and his recent third in the Gr.1 Nunthorpe Stakes - which was won by today's likely favourite Sole Power - is top-class form.

Trainer Olly Stevens says jockey Ryan Moore recommended the longer trip when jumping off the colt after the Nunthorpe. The trainer added: "He seems to be taking racing well and found the step up to Group One company fairly comfortable [last time out]. He was a bit tired after that race, but has bounced back."

Sheikh Suhaim, who owns Extortionist

Quick ground would suit Extortionist, but easy ground would be better for Pearl Secret and Hot Streak- today's official going of 'good' may, ironically, not be the optimum for any of the three, but on their best form all have a chance.

Jamie Spencer rides the Kevin Ryan-trained Hot Streak, who was fifth in the Nunthorpe, but only a length and a quarter behind winner Sole Power, although he also found that rival too strong back in June when they were first and third in Royal Ascot's Gr.1 King's Stand Stakes.

One year earlier Pearl Secret was also third in that same sprint at the Royal Meeting, and he showed his wellbeing just a week ago today when landing the Listed Beverley Bullet Stakes under Spencer. Oisin Murphy takes the ride today on the David Barron-trained five-year-old, whose 11 races have all been at five furlongs.

Following last week's race, Barron said: "He ate up when he got home and trotted up the next morning like a show pony. It was the perfect prep race for an autumn campaign."

At that stage Barron was fearful the ground would be too quick to run Pearl Secret in today's contest, but it has retained enough moisture to let him roll again.

Brendan Brackan was an intended runner for Qatar Racing in today's Gr.3 Superior Mile at Haydock Park, but has been withdrawn with a temperature, leaving three-year-old filly Graceful Grit the only other horse to carry the colours this weekend. She tackles the Listed Prix Millkom at Bordeaux tomorrow, and trainer Francis Graffard said: "She is in great form, although it is a tough race against colts."

Pictures: Laurence Squire