Ground threat for Swagger

Swagger Stick may miss Saturday’s Bet365 Old Newton Cup at Haydock if the ground is too firm.

The John Dunlop-trained three-year-old is currently the 6-1 co-favourite with the sponsors along with Alkaased, Balkan Knight and Haadef.

However, connections have warned that he may bypass the race and go for the John Smith’s Cup at York the following week if the ground is too fast.

“We wouldn’t it too firm. We’ve got the option to go for the John Smith’s Cup, although he’s a probable,” Marcus Hosgood told the Racing Post.