Haydock going eases to heavy from soft, good to soft in places after 23mm of rain since racing on Thursday

Plus, three horses on Friday's card who will be suited by the testing conditions

Mgheera: Zoustar's daughter lands the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock

Haydock: going has eased to heavyCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

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The going at Haydock for the final two days of the Sprint Cup meeting has eased to heavy (from soft, good to soft in places) following 23mm of rain since racing on Thursday.

Rain was still falling at the Merseyside track at 7.15am but is expected to clear with just the odd shower for the rest of the morning.

The Met Office forecast suggests a largely dry day is expected on Sprint Cup day on Saturday, with the field size for the feature £400,000 sprint reduced to eight after Jim Goldie declared American Affair a non-runner on Friday morning due to the ground.

How has the overnight rain affected the going? Find out in The Edge with Keith Melrose

Daniel Cooper, clerk of the course at Haydock, said at 7.30am: "It was a lot of rain that came overnight but the track has taken it well.

"It's just spitting rain now but the radar shows it clearing this morning. After the forecast showers this morning, it looks largely dry and breezy for the next two days with the odd sunny spell.

"The ground is heavy for Flat racing but I haven't found any area that is false and it's perfectly raceable."

Who will be suited by heavy ground on Friday?

Woven

3.15 Haydock

This Michael Dods-trained veteran has won four domestic turf races on ground described as good to soft, soft (twice) and heavy.

Connor Beasley's mount was last successful on heavy ground at Ayr last October and is back down to the same official mark of 84.

Woven15:15 Haydock

View Racecard

Jky: Connor Beasley Tnr: Michael Dods

Flash Bardot

4.53 Haydock

Flash Bardot has a win and a second to her name from four starts on heavy ground and is also a dual winner on soft ground.

Her dam Bridie Ffrench gained her sole turf win on heavy ground and conditions appear favourable for Flash Bardot on her first Flat outing for Henrietta Knight.