Harry Angel Returns to Races After Ascot Injury
Image:
Description:
Photo: Mathea Kelley
Harry Angel at Royal Ascot
Harry Angel, brilliant winner of the 32red Sprint Cup (G1) at Haydock in September of 2017, is firmly on course to defend his group 1 title Sept. 1, a week after recovering from the injury he suffered in the starting stalls at Royal Ascot.
The Godolphin-owned 4-year-old made an explosive start to his 2018 campaign when slamming Brando by two lengths in the Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (G2) in May under regular rider Adam Kirby.
He was duly sent off 5-2 favorite for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot the following month but could finish only 11th of 12 behind Merchant Navy after catching his hind leg in the stalls and setting off lengths adrift of his rivals.
He was lame with a cut on his near-hind fetlock when he returned to Clive Cox's stable.
Harry Angel wasn't ready to bid for a second successive Darley July Cup (G1) last month—he beat Limato by 1 1/4 lengths in the race in 2017—but has pleased his trainer in recent weeks as he builds up to return at Haydock.
"He suffered a leg injury at Royal Ascot," Cox said. "He is now on target for the Haydock Sprint Cup, and I'm very pleased with him. We've given him plenty of time to recuperate. He's fine."
Harry Angel, winner of five of his 10 starts, has put up two of his best performances at Haydock and is unbeaten in two visits to the Merseyside track.
Cox said: "He has performed exceptionally well at Haydock on his two previous starts there. He broke the track record when winning the Sandy Lane Stakes (G2) last May and was very impressive in the Sprint Cup. This was the logical plan after we had to miss the July Cup last month. We'll get Haydock out of the way first and take things one step at a time before deciding upon targets for later in the season."
Harry Angel is generally 5-2 favorite for the Sprint Cup, ahead of 7-1 shot The Tin Man and 8-1 shot Blue Point.
Limato, who returned to winning form with a comfortable success in the listed Hopeful Stakes at Newmarket Aug. 25, is a 10-1 chance with most bookmakers.