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Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum in line for Group One sprint on Merseyside
Tasleet and Eqtidaar are both in the mix to represent leading owner Hamdan Al Maktoum on the 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday.
The William Haggas-trained Tasleet was runner-up to Harry Angel in the six-furlong Group One last season. He also finished second in the Diamond Jubilee and the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot.
The five-year-old has not been seen finishing third behind Merchant Navy in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh in May, but is reported to be in rude health ahead of his potential return this weekend.
Angus Gold, Sheikh Hamdan’s racing manager, said: “Tasleet has not been seen out since May as he had a little bit of a setback after he ran at the Curragh.
“However, he has been in full work for a while now and I know William Haggas is very happy with him.
“I have to speak to William and we will have a talk about the weekend. We do know Tasleet can handle easy ground if he has to.”
Eqtidaar has already struck gold at the highest level, having won the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June.
However, Sir Michael Stoute’s colt was unable to back up that performance in the July Cup at Newmarket, finishing only ninth.
Gold added: “Eqtidaar had a bit of a break after he ran at Newmarket.
“He is a big horse. I was talking to Sir Michael Stoute the other day and he was saying that the horse is really starting to pick up now.
“Any rain later in the week shouldn’t inconvenience him. Sir Michael feels he is a horse for the autumn as he strengthens and develops. He could also come back next year if Sheikh Hamdan decides to keep him in training.”