SIR MARK PRESCOTT'S Pivotal and the William Jarvis trained React have been chalked up the 6 to 1 joint favourites by the sponsors for the William Hill Sprint Trophy at York on Saturday.
A total of 22 horses stood their ground for the £50,000 added six furlong race, with Ian Balding's Dashing Blue, third in a Listed race at Haydock at the end of last month, next in the betting at 8 to 1, with Michael Bell's Hoh Returns on 9 to 1.
"This looks a tricky race to win," said the firm's David Hood. "Pivotal has not run since two wins at the back end of last year but has more Ascot engagements than the Royal Family themselves, whilst React ran a blinder in Listed company last time and will find this a lot easier.
"However, history has shown that this is a great guide to finding future top class sprinters. Sheikh Albadou went on to win the Breeders' Cup Sprint, whilst Hever Gold Rose got beaten a head in 1994 before going on to win Group Ones like the Prix de l'Abbaye in 1995."
