2026 Sprint Cup Tips - Royal Ascot hero to bounce back at Haydock
The 2026 Sprint Cup at Haydock Park is set to feature a surprisingly small field, with the going forecast to be soft. Almeraq, fresh off a Group One win at Royal Ascot but disappointing in the July Cup, is tipped as the best bet for the race, given his preference for soft ground and favorable race setup. Key rivals include Kind Of Blue, Big Mojo, Marvelman, and outsider Coppull. Expect an early pace, but conditions and class give Almeraq the edge in this Group One sprint.
- Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Sprint Cup
- This Group One headlines the card at Haydock Park on Saturday 5th September
- Almeraq is our best bet at 3/1
The first major meeting in September takes place at Haydock Park, where the Sprint Cup headlines the card. This six-furlong contest has been won by sprinting legends like Be Friendly, Moorestyle and Danehill down the years, and a surprisingly small field has been declared for Saturday's renewal.
Here's our guide to the 2026 Sprint Cup, including our best betting tips.
2026 Sprint Cup Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Almeraq | 3/1 |
| Kind Of Blue | 5/1 |
| Marvelman | 6/1 |
| Big Mojo | 7/1 |
| Coppull | 8/1 |
| Bar | 12/1 |
*Odds updated 3/9/2026*
2026 Sprint Cup Runners
The market for Saturday's feature is topped by Almeraq, who claimed his maiden Group One win with a flying finish in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, but failed to fire in the July Cup, finishing ninth of the 11 runners.
James Fanshawe's Kind Of Blue returns to Haydock having finished second in the last two renewals of this Group One. Big Mojo beat Kind Of Blue in this race 12 months ago, and Mick Appleby's stable star will return to Haydock on the back of a Group Three victory in Ireland.
Coppull kept on well to finish fourth behind Comanche Brave in the July Cup, and bounced back to winning form in the Hungerford Stakes on his most recent start at Newbury. The soft-ground-loving Marvelman has been backed into a single-figure price since PJ McDonald was confirmed in the saddle, and Andrew Balding's market mover will be looking to build on an excellent third in the City Of York Stakes last time out.
Chipchase Stakes winner Paborus will represent Ed Bethell and Wathnan Racing. Former King Charles II Stakes winner American Affair looks set for a step up to six furlongs. James's Delight will represent Clive Cox. Richard Hannon's Aramram complete the line-up.
2026 Sprint Cup Tips
For the first time since 1997, fewer than 10 runners will contest the Sprint Cup. That low turnout for this year's renewal could be due to the ground. The going is currently soft at Haydock, and there's further rain due on Thursday night and throughout Friday.
Despite the underfoot conditions, a decent early pace is expected. Big Mojo and Marvelman like to lead, with American Affair and Paborus likely to go forward too. Such a set-up should suit ALMERAQ (3/1), and I'll be backing William Haggas' Royal Ascot winner to bounce back to top form.
Tom Marquand gave Almeraq a fantastic ride in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Haggas' lightly raced four-year-old was held up behind a fairly fast pace. Marquand had to be patient to find a path to the post, but once he asked his mount for an effort, Almeraq flew home to pip two top-quality international raiders to the post.
Haggas' star was then a huge disappointment in the July Cup, beating only two horses home after fading badly in the closing stages. The ground was even quicker at Newmarket than it had been at Royal Ascot, and maybe the sharp turnaround between the meetings didn't suit a horse who was making just his eighth career start.
Almeraq seemed to relish soft ground earlier in his career, and Haggas seemed really keen to run his top sprinter once the weather forecast became clear. Given how unpredictable this division is, I'm loath to back short-priced runners in sprints. Yet, the ground should be ideal for Almeraq, the pace set-up will suit, and he's probably just the best horse in this underwhelming contest.
Visit our Sprint Cup Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Saturday's races at Haydock via a mobile or tablet.
Live Stream
Visit our Sprint Cup Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Saturday's races at Haydock via a mobile or tablet.
Verdict
Almeraq is our best bet in the 2026 Sprint Cup.
Almeraq
2026 Sprint Cup Tips
@3/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £10
with promo code NEWBONUS
Join betgoodwin with promo code NEWBONUS and get access to their Bet £10 Get £10 as a free ACCA welcome offer. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
03 September 2026
- NAP Of The Day -
- Horse Racing
- Daily Racing Lucky 15 -
- Horse Racing
- Daily Racing Treble -
- Horse Racing
- Daily Racing Double -
- Horse Racing
05 September 2026
06 September 2026
- 2026 Prix du Moulin -
- Horse Racing
Load More
