20 in the running for Sprint Cup

Last year's winner Regal Parade is among 20 five-day confirmations for the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday.

David Nicholls's six-year-old, winner of the Prix Maurice de Gheest, bids to emulate the only other dual scorer Be Friendly, who took the first two of the six-furlong showpiece in 1966 and 1967.

Richard Hannon's star miler Paco Boy and Aidan O'Brien's speedster Starspangledbanner also feature in a top-quality list of possibles. Starspangledbanner is 5-2 favourite, while Regal Parade is next best at 7-2 with Paco Boy 4s.

"Starspangledbanner would be a warm favourite if a definite runner in the Sprint Cup, but connections have yet to commit to the race and a shake-up in the market could be on the cards if they decide to give Haydock the swerve," said totesport spokesman George Primarolo. Others to stand their ground include Borderlescott, Equiano, Prime Defender, High Standing, Kingsgate Native, Markab and Rainfall.