Cox hoping Harry Angel is another who can earn his wings

3.30 HaydockArmstrong Aggregate Sandy Lane Stakes (Group 2) | 6f | ITV4/RUK

He couldn't have another one, could he? He might, you know – and the bookmakers certainly think he has.

Clive Cox has had some high-class sprinters in recent seasons, notably the Group 1-winning trio Gilt Edged Girl, Lethal Force and Profitable.

And Harry Angel could be set to follow in their hoofprints judged on the way he won the Mill Reef Stakes on just his second appearance last season and then failed by only a length and a half to give the highly-touted Blue Point 4lb at Ascot last month.

Harry Angel was giving Blue Point (right) 4lb when second in the Pavilion StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Those efforts make him third favourite for the Commonwealth Cup and clear market leader for this Group 2 event, which Quiet Reflection took en route to Royal Ascot glory last year.

"I'm very much looking forward to him," Cox said on Friday. "I thought it was a great effort at Ascot. It was a very hot renewal and he had 4lb penalty, which he doesn't at Haydock.

"He's pleased me with how he's come out of it. What he's missing is racecourse experience and I hope as he matures mentally he'll be extremely exciting."

Brian The Snail had also looked a high-class sprinter in the making, promising enough to be snapped up by Godolphin, only to run inexplicable badly at York last week.

Trainer Richard Fahey turns him out again just nine days later and said: "I don't know what happened at York but he seems fine now."

Andrew Balding reckons stamina has been the issue for Poet's Vanity, who tackles six furlongs for the first time after finishing seventh behind Winter in the 1,000 Guineas.

"It'll be interesting to see how she gets on dropped in trip," the trainer said.

"She's a high-class filly and our feeling was she didn't stay in the 1,000 Guineas, having travelled very well for a long way. I'd hope she'll run well."

Ground conditions concern William Haggas, who said: "I'm a bit worried about the weather for both my runners. Mubtasim definitely wants it quick and they say it may rain, although that may change. He's in great shape, as is Second Thought, who may go on ground with some ease in it, as he's by Kodiac."

Aidan O'Brien has bigger prizes on his mind on Saturday but will be hoping Alphabet can deliver stepped up in class.

He said: "We were happy with her run in a handicap last time. She came out of the race well and we decided to up her in grade. She's in good form and we're hoping she runs well."

Armstrong Aggregates Sandy Lane Stakes, card, form and betting