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A future star could be on show in the Listed Coral Spring Cup (4.19pm) at Lingfield Park on Saturday, March 5, with the 107-rated El Caballo headlining the seven contenders.
Past winners of the seven-furlong Fast-Track Qualifier include multiple G1-winning miler Paco Boy (2008) as well as fellow G1 performers Dubawi Gold (2011) and Ertijaal (2014).
El Caballo has the makings of a high-class colt following two stylish victories on the All-Weather for Karl Burke, most recently defeating Canonized by almost two lengths in a six-furlong conditions race at Newcastle on February 23.
Canonized captured the Listed Rockingham Stakes at York in October and the Cheveley Park Stud filly is aiming to give William Haggas, the most successful trainer in the Coral Spring Cup, a fifth win in the race.
Her form ties in with Richard Hannon’s Witch Hunter, who was beaten three parts of a length into second by Canonized at York. The son of Siyouni makes a quick reappearance after bolting up in a novice race at Wolverhampton on February 28.
Hannon, who sent out the 2015 victor Lexington Times, said: “We were pleased with Witch Hunter’s win the other day and he seems to have come out of the race very well.
“It took him a while to win but he had a nice winter and the form he showed in defeat last season is pretty good.
“I don’t see the step up to seven furlongs being a problem and he has the speed to travel, which is important on the All-Weather.
“I think he has a decent chance and, should he win, we would be keen to take him up to Newcastle for the final back over six furlongs.”
The line-up features two other last-time-out winners in Anthem National and Chrysos, representing Simon & Ed Crisford and Kevin Ryan respectively. Anthem National captured a novice race over this distance at Newcastle on February 23 while Chrysos comes back in trip after taking a mile novice contest at Lingfield Park on February 19.
Kiwano made a winning debut at Kempton Park in September and the David Simcock-trained colt has since run twice on turf at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, latterly finishing down the field in the Dubai Trophy over six furlongs.
Scott Dixon and Hollie Doyle combined to win the Listed Betway Hever Sprint at the track last weekend and the duo team up again with
Amber Dew
, who finished second in a handicap at Southwell on her first start for the stable.
