Soldier's Tale could bypass Sprint Cup

Budget Stables' SOLDIER'S TALE (Stravinsky) may be forced to miss a clash

with SAKHEE'S SECRET (Sakhee) in Saturday's Haydock Sprint Cup (Eng-G1) if the

ground is too firm for the six-year-old. Following the news that July Cup

(Eng-G1) runner-up DUTCH ART (Medicean) may also sidestep the six-furlong

contest if there is no rain, trainer Jeremy Noseda echoed those sentiments on

Wednesday as he prepared the Golden Jubilee S. (Eng-G1) hero.

"Soldier's Tale is in very good order," Noseda explained. "He worked this

morning and is all set, ready to go, but I don't think it's going to happen as

it is unlikely that the ground conditions will suit him. I will be having a chat

with his owner today to decide whether we declare the horse or not in the vain

hope that the rain may arrive for him at Haydock."

Earlier, Cheveley Park Stud's Managing Director Chris Richardson told the

Racing Post that Dutch Art "needs to get his toe in."

"From our point of view the ground would have to be a major factor and if

there is no rain he will not run," Richardson told the Racing Post. "He

needs to get his toe in. I know there is rain forecast, but it now looks as

though that is going to bypass Haydock."

Officials at the track are watering to ensure safe fast ground at the

Merseyside venue, with a dry and warm forecast leading up to the feature.