Irish prize likely target for Rainfall

Dubai: Dubai-owned Rainfall is likely to sidestep Saturday's Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock in exchange for a shot at the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on the same day.

The three-year-old colt who races in the colours of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and is trained in England by Mark Johnston holds entries for both races.

"The original objective was that she would go to Haydock and I entered her in the Matron just to have a look," said Johnston.

"I haven't had a chance to discuss it with the owner yet but at first glance, the Matron looks a better option for her.

"We'll make a final decision later in the week but she could be joining Sea Lord in Ireland."

Meanwhile, as connections of Starspangledbanner and Paco Boy are also likely to resist the temptation to run at Haydock, Henry Candy is hopeful that Markab can take full advantage.

The seven-year-old produced a career-best effort when finishing second to Equiano in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot,

Candy is renowned for his handling of sprinters such as Group One winners Kyllachy and Airwave and is in optimistic mood about Markab's chances in Saturday's £275,000 race.

Candy said: "Markab would appear to be getting better with age. A couple of runs earlier in the year were career highlights but I was disappointed with his run at Newbury.

"I hope there is a nice bit of cut in the ground at Haydock. That would be ideal for him."

— with inputs from Evening Standard