Clive Cox’s caution gives Reckless Abandon Sprint Cup chance

Contrary to the three-year-old’s name there has been plenty of care taken with Reckless Abandon.

Clive Cox’s colt impressed everyone as a juvenile last year, remaining unbeaten on his first five starts as he claimed notable victories including the Group One successes in the Prix Morny and the Middle Park Stakes, both over six furlongs.

This year things haven’t quite gone to plan for him over the minimum 5f trip though.

A third place in the Temple Stakes at Haydock and a fifth in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot in June didn’t quite showcase the qualities of Cox’s charge, who is seemingly more suited to distance one furlong longer.

Reckless Abandon will now make his return to 6f on September 7th at the Betfred Sprint Cup, for which he’s priced at 6/1.

Cox is eyeing the Group One contest after exercising caution with his charge in the July Cup at Newmarket, where Reckless Abandon had been scheduled to make his first step back up in trip only for a swollen gland on his jaw to lead to a withdrawal.

Connections had then considered an entry into the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville earlier this month, but the decision has seemingly now been made to head to Haydock.

Declaration Of War still holds an entry for the Sprint Cup, but with Aidan O’Brien potentially sending the Juddmonte winner to Leopardstown on that day instead, competition could come from elsewhere.

Of the most likely runners, the 3/1 Lethal Force is one to watch following wins over 6f at Ascot and Newmarket in the past two months, whilst Society Rock is 6/1 to follow up last year’s victory in this race with another success.

History is against James Fanshawe’s charge though, as no horse has won back-to-back Sprint Cups since Be Friendly won the inaugural two races in 1966 and 1967.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication