Sacred can answer the prayers of Tom Marquand as the jockey throws down Betfair Sprint Cup challenge to red-hot favourite Shaquille

Tom Marquand believes Sacred can provide a big challenge for favorite Shaquille in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock.

The William Haggas-trained mare, who is chasing a maiden Group 1 success, is one of several options backed by the sponsors in a lopsided betting match that sees no runner other than Shaquille shorter than 10-1. .

Sacred was hit in the neck by Khaadem in the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. She underperformed expectations at the Ebor meeting in York over seven furlongs last month, but has previously underperformed on that track.

Marquand said: ‘Some horses don’t like some tracks and York just shouldn’t be for her. Furthermore, her form is quite flawless.

‘Going back to a flat six furlongs on fast ground should be right up her alley. She has shown so many times that she belongs at this level.’

Shaquille is the odds-on favorite and has already won several major sprint races this year

Betfair has lowered Sacred’s odds from 12s to 10-1. Other runners attracting interest from sponsors include Mill Stream, which was added to the line-up on Monday for £20,000, Saint Lawrence and Rohaan.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: ‘Some punters don’t like to support odds-on-shots so they have been looking for options in either direction, especially as there have been a few questions about the recent form of the stable of the favorite.’

Spycatcher, one of the 10-1 second favorites, will likely be withdrawn because the ground is too fast.