RACING:IT IS 40 years since Vincent O'Brien's Abergwaun became the first and only Irish-trained winner of Haydock's Betfred Sprint Cup, however bookmakers reckon Excelebration could well be in line to change that statistic this Saturday.

Ladbrokes are among the layers going a best-priced 6 to 1 third favourite about Aidan O’Brien’s impressive performer successfully dropping back to sprint distances at the weekend. The colt, who has spent most of his career chasing Frankel at a mile but who landed his second Group One in the Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville last month, is among a strong cast of potential Irish raiders.

Although Eddie Lynam’s Slade Power misses out due to a setback, David Marnane has not ruled out Dandy Boy who finished behind Ortensia in the Nunthorpe Stakes over five furlongs.

“It will be ground dependant. We’d love to get him on some decent ground,” said the Co Tipperary-based trainer.

Ortensia is favourite to complete a quick Group One double at Haydock, with the luckless Bated Breath next best in the betting.