War Artist gunning for Haydock prize

James Eustace hopes consistent sprinter War Artist secures a deserved Group One success in the Betfred Sprint Cup next month.

The South African import has more than held his own since moving to Britain, having been placed in the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot and the July Cup at Newmarket.

Although War Artist is likely to face his Royal Ascot conqueror Kingsgate Native at Haydock on September 6, Eustace has challenged his sprinter to reverse the form.

“He really deserves to win a big one and hopefully he can do that at Haydock,” said Eustace.

“He has been very consistent at the top level and he ran a great race at Ascot.

“We had a good draw and Takeover Target gave us a good lead, but Kingsgate Native came and spoiled the party.

“I would at least like to have a go at turning the form around with him but who knows?”

With regular pilot Kerrin McEvoy back in Australia, Eustace is on the lookout for a new jockey.

“Ryan Moore rode the horse when he was second at Wolverhampton earlier this year and he liked the horse,” Eustace told At The Races.

“He would be the obvious choice, although it all depends on whether he is available.”

War Artist may after Haydock head abroad to contest some of the Global Sprint Challenge events.

“It is a possibility he could go to the Far East, but just a possibility at this stage,” the trainer continued.

“We may decide to go west rather than east as there is a race at Woodbine called the Nearctic Stakes.

“He could then go for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

“There is even the Breeders’ Cup Sprint to consider, so there are plenty of options.”