THE Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock had become something of a benefit for three-year-olds in recent years – five of the last six winners had been that age leading into last weekend – but it was the turn of a couple of six-year-olds to dominate proceedings this time.

Things ended up unfolding perfectly for Dream Of Dreams in a well-run race in which his stand-side group might have enjoyed a small advantage. He took until the final furlong to get to the front this time but continued to stay on strongly to prevail by a length and a half.

That prompts a 120 sectional rating for him, but he can remain on the 123 he got for trotting up in the seven-furlong Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury the time before, with Glen Shiel on 115 and third-placed Golden Horde (112 basic) given one chance on 119, having bossed things on the far side.

Some of these, perhaps the winner among them, may turn up at Longchamp on Arc Day in the Prix de la Foret, which, it should be remembered, is approximately 6.75 furlongs according to Google Earth imagery and sectionals, so more of a test of speed than advertised.

The other big race at Haydock was the Group 3 Superior Mile, which went the way of Top Rank – beaten in a red-hot handicap at York the time before – from My Oberon and Khaloosy. The principals get figures of 112, 108 and 105 (all including small upgrades for slow finishes), which is par at best for the grade. Kinross (105) shaped well for a long way in fourth.

There was little in it between the times recorded by Favorite Moon (100 rating) and Euchen Glen (104) in the two big 14-furlong handicaps, though the latter carried more weight in the Old Borough Cup even after weight-for-age has been allowed for. It has to be said that Favorite Moon would make a cracking staying hurdler given the chance (yes, it will soon be that time of year again).

Fancy Man was an authoritative winner of the listed race that opened the show at Haydock in a time that compares quite well with Top Rank’s at the same trip a bit later.

A figure of 105 suggests Fancy Man can go close in a Group 3, but his win also paid a compliment to Cobh, who beat him at Salisbury, and by proxy to Chindit (now rated 110), who beat Cobh even more handsomely at Ascot.