Sprint lowdown: expert analysis as The Tin Man takes on host of stars

2.00 Ascot
Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes | Group 1 | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV/RUK

Will soft ground prove to The Tin Man's liking again?

Before his last start in Haydock's Sprint Cup The Tin Man had never won on ground slower than an official description of good.

On heavy going last month, however, the six-year-old flourished, staying on strongly to beat Brando by half a length for the third Group 1 success of his career.

Winner of this race in 2016, The Tin Man was fifth to Librisa Breeze when trying to defend his title last season on soft ground, but now he has winning form on a slower surface.

Testing conditions again await, so will he carry the Haydock form forward to Ascot?

Trainer James Fanshawe said: "It was reassuring to see him go on that ground at Haydock and hopefully he's in the same form. He seems really well."

Can Librisa Breeze defend his crown?

Soft ground should be no concern for last year's winner Librisa Breeze, who thrives on a slower surface.

The Dean Ivory-trained six-year-old also loves Ascot, with three wins from seven starts at the course.

But since his victory in the race 12 months ago he has struggled to recapture that form, finishing down the field in three of his four starts.

His most recent effort, when last of eight behind Sir Dancealot in the Hungerford, leaves him with work to do, and Ivory said this week: "The ground has come in Librisa Breeze's favour. He was a little bit disappointing last time and we'll see where we are."

Will Harry Angel's luck change for the better?

Past excursions to the track for Harry Angel have not gone to plan, but if the four-year-old gets a change of fortune, he has every chance for a first win at the course.

Drama in the stalls cost Harry Angel any chance of winning the Diamond Jubilee at the royal meeting, but he has strong previous form, including runner-up to Blue Point in the Pavilion Stakes, and then to Caravaggio in the Commonwealth Cup last year.

Drying ground will also aid Harry Angel's cause, and Cox said: "I'm very happy with him and he's in great form with himself. I'm pleased we've had a dry couple of days and hopefully it'll dry out again."

Can Brando have his day in the sun?

If Harry Angel is due some better luck, then so too is Brando, who has run some massive races in defeat this season.

Only US Navy Flag proved too good in the July Cup, and then last time out he gave gallant chase to The Tin Man at Haydock, but was unable to reel him in.

A second career Group 1 victory would be well deserved for the six-year-old, and Adam Ryan, son and assistant to his father Kevin, said: "He always seems to turn up on the big days and he's in good order. He's a very simple horse ground-wise, he handles all conditions and he ticks all the boxes. All the big boys have come to play and it'll take some winning, but hopefully he can go well again."

With regular rider Tom Eaves sidelined through injury, Jamie Spencer will be back on Brando, and Ryan added: "He knows the horse well, and Brando's style of running suits Jamie down to the ground."

What they say

Henry Candy, trainer of Limato
If it wasn't the end of the season and he wasn't about to go in the paddocks for a holiday I don't think he'd be running but we're going to give it a go. It'll probably be much too soft for him but he'll have a day out and you never know.

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Son Of Rest
He travelled over well and is in good order. He'll appreciate the easy ground, so we'll have to see how he gets on.

William Haggas, trainer of Tasleet
He'll like the ground and goes there in good form, but he looks to have a bad draw in stall one. He's a long way from the guaranteed pace angle, which is Harry Angel. Hopefully, he can overcome it.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Sands Of Mali
He ran well at Haydock last time when fifth in the Sprint Cup but had a couple of ordinary runs before then. We think he's a Group 1 horse and his work is Group 1 work, but we'll see. He might need another winter to strengthen up.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Speak In Colours
He's a Group 3 winner and while he was a bit disappointing in the Group 1 at Haydock last time he didn't run badly. He's in good form and we're hoping he might get some prize-money.

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