HORSE RACING: GIFT IS A HORSE TO FOLLOW

Betting on horse racing: Gift Horse 5/1 to win William Hill Sprint Cup

Some of the best sprinters in the land are out in force for thisSaturday’s William Hill Sprint Cup (2.15) at Haydock, for which improvingthree-year-old Proclamation has been installed as 6/4 favourite. TheJeremy Noseda-trained runner showed an impressive turn of foot to win the SussexStakes last time out, form which gives him upwards of 10lb in hand overhis rivals, and he could easily outclass the opposition again.

However, that race was over one mile, and there has to be a doubt abouthim now that he drops back in trip to six furlongs. Furthermore, he did missthe break last time out, and he won’t be able to afford to do thatagainst speedier rivals here. Instead, we’ll take him on with Gift Horse (5/1),another improving three-year-old who so far hasn’t had the chance toprove himself against the best. His trainer, David Nicholls, is a dab hand withsprinters, and this one has been transformed by the switch to the stable,culminating with a win in the Stewards Cup last time out. He fairly flewhome there after being hampered a furlong out, and there has to be a goodchance he hasn’t finished improving yet. He’s certainly earned himself acrack at this higher grade and, at the prices rates a better value betthan the favourite.