Horse Power: Shaquille can prove too good in the Sprint Cup at Haydock Park

SHAQUILLE should prove too good for his rivals in the Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes (British Champions Series) (3.35pm) at Haydock Park on Saturday afternoon. While in Ireland at Leopardstown AUGUSTE RODIN can take the Group One Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (3.20pm).

Julie Camacho’s Shaquille has been one of the stars of the season and has looked superb over the six furlongs he will encounter again in the Group One feature on Merseyside. Although he has his quirks – being slowly away and getting behind in his races – his massive ability gets him out of trouble and he has been superb in his two wins in Group One company on his two most recent starts. The three-year-old son of Charm Spirit has lost just once in eight career starts and having landed victories in handicap and Listed company on his first two starts this season at Newmarket and Newbury respectively, he stepped up to the top level with a stunning victory in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Despite missing the break and being well behind at one stage, Shaquille came through to win in fine style from Aidan O’Brien’s talented Little Big Bear. Similarly slowly away Shaquille was even more impressive when taking on his elders in the July Cup. He scored by a length-and-half from the reopposing Run For Freedom at Headquarters.

There is always a chance that one day that tardiness may cost him, but it’s a frightening thought how much better he could be if getting out quickly. Although there are plenty of dangers – including the aforementioned Henry Candy-trained Run For Freedom, Karl Burke’s Prix Maurice De Gheest runner-up Spycatcher and the improving Mill Stream, from the Jane Chapple-Hyam stable – Shaquille may just be too good for them and can land another