32RED SPRINT CUP STAKES (BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES) (GROUP 1)

WHEN wet weather comes to Haydock, conditions can change fairly rapidly. Soft ground almost certainly counted against one or two leading contenders in Saturday’s 32Red Sprint Cup but made little difference to Karl Burke’s 7/2 favourite Quiet Reflection, who went clear in the closing stages and landed the Group 1 contest by nearly two lengths from The Tin Man. Suedois kept on stoutly for third.

Kachy made the running, with Stewards’ Cup winner Dancing Star always prominent and Suedois not far away. However, it soon became apparent that the three-year-old Quiet Reflection was travelling better than any of them and Dougie Costello sent her on approaching the final furlong.

The race was effectively over, although The Tin Man kept on particularly well in the final furlong, having missed the kick at the start.

Several runners failed to make an impression, including Goken and Gordon Lord Byron, though the latter owes no one anything after a long and illustrious career.

He still finished in front of Magical Memory, whose effort is best ignored, while Dancing Star also deserves another chance at this exalted level after fading into ninth.

Likely favourite Limato was taken out as the rain continued to fall. Quiet Reflection had finished third to him in the July Cup at Newmarket, with Suedois splitting the pair, but that was on much faster ground.

Everything about last week suited her and Burke, successful earlier on with Intense Tango, will be hoping for similar conditions in the Qipco Champions Sprint at Ascot, where 6/1 is the going rate.

speed to burn

“I was a bit worried when it came up that soft,’’ the trainer said, “but she’s got speed to burn. She travels, is relaxed and has a great turn of foot.

“I’ve never seen a jockey in a six-furlong race pull his goggles down at the furlong pole!”

Costello, who made the switch from jumps to flat only last year, paid handsome tribute to the winner, who was giving him his best day so far.

“She’s a simple filly and was a little bit fresh but that was spot-on because you need freshness in this sort of ground.

“You’d think a filly that good would be a bit headstrong but she’s a gem - like a girl next door with Jordan.’’

The last comment was a reference to Jordan Vaughan, a talented apprentice at Burke’s Middleham stable who also acts as Quiet Reflection’s groom. With Clifford Lee also on the strength, the trainer has plenty of riding talent available.

“I just pray she stays sound and we can keep her for next year,” he added. “We had huge offers for her leading up to Ascot (where she won the Commonwealth Cup) and fair play to the lads because they stuck to their guns.’’

Burke retains a share in the filly alongside the Ontoawinner Syndicate.