Charlton plots Haydock Sprint raid

Favourable weather conditions could see Roger Charlton launch a two-pronged assault on the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday.

The Beckhampton trainer has the Group One in mind for Bated Breath and Genki, who have both been knocking on the door at the top level this season.

Charlton told At The Races: “Looking at the weather map, I got the impression the forecast looked as if the worst of the rain is over, which means we should have perfect conditions.”

Bated Breath was last seen finishing ninth in the Nunthorpe at York on rain-softened ground and after an interrupted preparation, while Genki was fourth in the Prix Maurice de Gheest.

Charlton went on: “Bated Breath came out of the race well – he did have an interrupted preparation – and the more we’ve learned about this horse, the more we realise he wants fast ground.

“Genki ran a massive race in Deauville – he’s such an admirable horse.

“He’s getting on, but he’s consistent.

“You couldn’t say he wouldn’t win the race, so who knows.”