Bank on Pipalong

Not since Be Friendly completed a back-to-back double in 1968 has any horse won successive renewals of Haydock's Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup. But everything has fallen into place for Pipalong, the gutsy mare who won this Group One event 12 months ago, to halt that 33-year statistic.

The ground was officially heavy when Malton handler Tim Easterby's flag-bearer denied Godolphin's Sampower Star last year. Hopes of a sounder surface this time were finally dashed yesterday when clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright reported rainfall of 15mm in 24 hours.

It's 'soft, heavy in places' and, although no further significant rain is forecast, it's not expected to dry out either.

Pipalong's below-par last two starts came not just because the ground was faster than ideal. She finds five furlongs inadequate - Nuclear Debate and Kier Park will struggle to maintain their Nunthorpe superiority here. Throw out her July Cup effort - she towed along the far-side group, but the stands' side enjoyed a telling advantage.

She encountered the firmest ground of her season when a good eighth to Harmonic Way in the Cork & Orrery, carrying a Group One penalty. That winner struggled to an admirable fourth in conditions he loathes in this £150,000 contest 12 months ago and, though an improved performer this year, will fare no better.

Pipalong has also registered a career high this term, wielding an 8lb penalty to victory in the Duke Of York Stakes in May. Reigning champion jockey Kevin Darley is her perfect foil and can claw another one back in the title-race with Kieren Fallon here.