HAYDOCK PARK 16:10 312v3b

Non Runners: TEN SOVEREIGNS (IRE), .

Time: 1m 12.79s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.6s (99.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 97.8%

Three-year-olds have dominated the Sprint Cup in recent seasons and Hello Youmzain became the sixth winner from that generation since 2010, his very smart effort up to scratch for the race, though his task was made easier by the post-declaration withdrawals of both and Ten Sovereigns, the latter's July Cup win still rated as the best effort in a 6f Group 1 this season, but with outright supremacy in the division still up for grabs, the Champions Sprint at Ascot in October hopefully set to be a much-needed divison definer; the winner made just about all, setting a sound pace, the next 4 finishers coming from out the back but never looking like catching him.

HELLO YOUMZAIN (FR) improved again he made his Group 1 breakthrough back at a track where he's now unbeaten in three 3 starts, clearly targeted at this ever since his Commonwealth Cup third 11 weeks earlier, a switch to forcing tactics bringing out the best in him, soon in front, quickening a length ahead 1f out and always holding on despite drifting left inside the last 1f; a rematch with and Ten Sovereigns in the Champions Sprint is next up, Hello Youmzain having ground to make up on the former judged on form from the Royal meeting, though he'll head to that race as the most progressive of the trio.

THE TIN MAN was back near his best bidding to win this for the second year running, less consistent nowadays but evidently still up to winning at this level on his good days; held up, good headway over 1f out, took second last ½f, ran on.

WALDPFAD (GER) bounced back to form and confirmed himself competitive at this level, maybe worth a bit of extra credit considering he ended up making his run well away from the 2 that beat him; held up, ridden over 2f out, kept on well last ½f, took third near finish; he's in the Champions Sprint and has a style of racing to think that Ascot could be a good fit for him.

BRANDO shaped as if still in pretty good form but couldn't sustain his run and was later said to have bled from the nose, not the first time that's happened and part of the reason why he's become hard to predict, even if Deauville shows he's still a force at this level on his good days; held up, headway over 1f out, third briefly final 1f, one paced.

INVINCIBLE ARMY (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, shaped as if back in form, paying to an extent for trying to serve it up to the winner, though evidence is mounting that he falls short at this level, this fifth-placed finish his best return from 4 tries in Group 1 company; pressed leader, effort under 2f out, no extra final 1f.

FAIRYLAND (IRE) wasn't disgraced back at 6f, essentially just not good enough; in touch, ridden over 2f out, not quicken.

MAJOR JUMBO wasn't up to this better company; chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, not quicken, faded final 1f.

DREAM OF DREAMS (IRE) after 8 weeks off, is best not judged on this run, soon finding himself in a hopeless position; dwelt then hampered start, raced well off the pace, effort out wide 2f out, hampered over 1f out, never involved; his Diamond Jubilee second remains a standout but a return to Ascot for the Champions Sprint will be in his favour.

SO PERFECT (USA) failed to repeat her Nunthorpe third; in touch, ridden under 3f out, faded.

FOREVER IN DREAMS (IRE) ran poorly after 11 weeks off, disappointing ing she'd split and Hello Youmzain when second in the Commonwealth Cup, something perhaps not right for her to perform as she did; in touch, ridden over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, weakened.

KHAADEM (IRE) proved to be a big disappointment, this his second flop in a Group 1, his Stewards' Cup form suggesting he should be a force at this level; held up, raced freely, effort 2f out, found little.