Equiano was the suprise absentee today from the declared runners for the Sprint Cup on Saturday and it was just a coincidence that I didnt mention his chances in my previous post.
It sort of opens the door slightly wide for Starspangledbanner to win and he can only be his own enemy now, 7/4 looks a good price to me in the circumstances, given the standard of opposition, the 6f trip and the forecast going. There has been no let up in the glorious weather in the north and it looks like being Good to Firm on Saturday. There should be no draw bias and Starspangledbanner, who we know is not short of pace, should get the run of the race under his deputy jockey from stall 5.
The only 3 I can see putting up any resistance to the fav are the admirable Borderlescott, Markab and Regal Parade. Although the latter wont have his going reqirements he is a Group winner after all and he should be tuned to the minute by his astute trainer to try and make it back to back wins in this.
It wont be a vintage renewal of the race with several of the runners looking out of their depth, but if we see Starspangledbanner perform as well as weve heard he does at home then that will do for me.
