Smart upbeat over Bond’s Sprint chances

BRYAN SMART is hoping the sun does not shine too much at Haydock this week as he prepares Monsieur Bond for a crack at the Stanleybet Sprint Cup.

Officials at the Merseyside venue do not expect the ground to be riding faster than soft for Saturday’s Group One showpiece, conditions the Thirsk trainer feels will be ideal for his stable star.

“Fergal Lynch will ride him again. He’s in great form and I’m hoping it doesn’t dry up. He’s 16-1 but if the ground comes on his side I think he has got a good chance,” he said.