KIERAN Shoemark is looking forward to getting the leg up on Commonwealth Cup heroine Time For Sandals in the Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes at Haydock today, with her Royal Ascot partner, Richard Kingscote, having since transferred to Hong Kong.

Harry Eustace’s progressive three-year-old is one of the main market leaders for the Group 1 sprint, as Lazzat heads the betting in a field of 17. Speaking to The Irish Field, Shoemark commented: “Time For Sandals is a really exciting ride to pick up. I went and had a sit on her 10 days ago, and I couldn’t have been more impressed by the physical.

“She’s a great, huge, strapping filly, and I’ve heard Harry Eustace in a couple of interviews suggest that she could be even better next year, and I would back him in saying so. I’m looking forward to riding her.”

On her chances today, the in-form rider continued: “I thought she was really impressive in the Commonwealth. She ran really well at Goodwood on ground, that was probably a little bit too soft for her, and possibly over an inadequate trip, so I think the step back up to six is really going to suit.

“It’s a highly competitive field, there’s a lot of runners, we’re going to need a little bit of luck in running, but I truly believe she’s a sprinter going places, and it’s really exciting. I look forward to getting the ride.”

Irish hope

Time For Sandals returned at 25/1 at Ascot, one of a number of big-priced winners in top-level sprints this term. The open nature of the division has tempted others into top-flight company, including My Mate Alfie, the sole Irish raider in the field.

It marks a first run at this level for Ger Lyons’ four-year-old, who has proven a consistent performer in competitive Irish sprints over the last two seasons, notching two listed events, a Group 3 and a premier handicap.

The son of Blue Point was last seen separating Bucanero Fuerte and Kind Of Blue in a high-class renewal of the Phoenix Sprint Stakes, a performance that gives him a leading chance today, according to Gary Carroll.

“He ran a great race the last time,” Carroll reflected. “We’re hoping for a bit of rain, the ground is on the slow side, which would suit him. I think he’s big enough odds, but I think he’ll outrun those odds. I’d be hopeful of a good run.

“When I looked it up last night [Thursday], the horse that I beat up the Curragh [Kind Of Blue, third] was third or fourth favourite, and yet, I’m 20/1. On that running, I should be a shorter price. Listen, they’re good horses, but I like my lad; he’s tough and hardy.”

Feeling Blue

The biggest-priced winners in the race’s history – Invincible Spirit (2002) and Montassib (2024) - were both 25/1, while 20 of the 58 runnings have been won by favourites.

Three and four-year-olds have much the best record in the race, having won 21 and 20 runnings respectively, with five-year-olds the next best at nine.

The draw is another key statistic, with eight of the last 10 winners drawn eight or lower. It’s a concern for James Fanshawe, whose representative Kind Of Blue has drawn stall 19.

The trainer, who won the race in 2018 with The Tin Man and in 2012 with Society Rock, commented: “It’s a very competitive Haydock Sprint this year, it’s a good race, and I’d imagine the draw will have an effect because there’s so many runners.

“I’m not sure about the draw. Society Rock and The Tin Man both won it, and they were drawn low, and every runner we’ve had, they’ve all been drawn low. The Tin Man was always drawn below 10 and he ran in the race five times, placed in four.

“So, I’m not sure about the draw, but all I can say is that he’s had a nice, clear run since the Curragh where he ran much better, and it seems like he’s come on from that, and we’ll see how we get on.”