Can anyone beat Harry Angel in British Champions Sprint Stakes?
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In a packed day of top-quality racing at Ascot this Saturday, it’s the British Champions Sprint Stakes that stands out above all else.
Will Harry Angel maintain his dominance over 6f? Or can Caravaggio, Quiet Reflection and The Tin Man et al spring a shock to end the season?
Well, if odds of 11/10 are anything to go by, this contest is Harry Angel’s to lose.
The super sprinter comes into this off the back of two Group 1 victories, including a hugely impressive 4l distance defeat of Tasleet in the Haydock Sprint Cup Stakes.
With the colt able to handle all conditions, the only thing that could stop Clive Cox’s runner is the course itself.
That’s because in Harry Angel’s racing career so far, all three of his defeats have come at Ascot.
And that little nugget could just open the door for classy 4/1 shot Caravaggio.
Not only is Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old the last horse to beat Harry Angel, he’s also back in form after a commanding win in the Flying Five Stakes last month.
Consecutive defeats in the July Cup and Prix Maurice de Gheest undoubtedly blot Caravaggio’s copybook. But with messrs Moore and O’Brien in good recent form, you doubt the son of Scat Daddy at your peril.
The Tin Man is also a lively contender at 13/2. James Fanshawe’s five-year-old landed this contest last year at the same-price and should not be dismissed. Two comprehensive defeats since to Harry Angel dent his chances.
Quiet Reflection lacks appeal, also at 13/2. He’s been lightly raced this season although did win the Renaissance Stakes at Naas last time out. Others make better sense at more enticing prices.
Tasleet has place claims if nothing else at 11/1. The four-year-old finished behind only Harry Angel in the Sprint Stakes at Haydock and can go close again with champion jockey Jim Crowley set to be in the saddle.
Librisa Breeze at 11/1 and Brando at 14/1 shouldn’t trouble the main contenders. The former is yet to land a black-type success while the latter has been beaten on multiple occasions by the market favourite.
Washington DC was highly regarded earlier in his career but will have to go some to recapture old glories at 22/1.
Danzeno has won five times in a 25 race career and at 25/1 doesn’t warrant any attention.
Tupi then comes next at 50/1, before Donjuan Triumphant, Cougar Mountain and Alphabet at 66/1. Intelligence Cross rounds off the contenders at 100/1.
Click here for all the latest British Champions Sprint Stakes odds.
All Odds and Markets correct as of the date of publication
