LIMATO has been a source of much turbulence in the ante-post betting markets but it can all come together in perfect unison when he runs in today's 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock.

The marvellous four-year-old was taken out of the equation by most firms in the build-up to the Group One but a dry spell on Merseyside convinced Henry Candy to undergo an about turn earlier in the week.

That he runs so soon after the Nunthorpe at York is probably as good a reason as any to invest heavily in the Tagula gelding, who must be bouncing at home and is a ridiculously good horse at his best

No better was that illustrated than at Newmarket a few months ago when Limato produced one of the moments of the season with a destructive two-length success in the July Cup.

He ably backed that up at York. Late rainfall was not especially helpful but to get to within two lengths of Mecca's Angel on his first stab over five furlongs really was a grand effort.

Back over what is surely his ideal trip, his Sprint Cup rivals will not stand a chance if he is anywhere near close to the form that saw him win so brilliantly at Newmarket.

Rain is forecast again but it did not prevent today's nap selection, who has Harry Bentley on board, winning at Doncaster last season on good to soft ground.

MONTATAIRE can take the next step along the ladder by winning the 32Red Casino Stakes under Andrew Mullen.

This one-mile Listed race, better known as the Ascendant Stakes, has a good track record in recent years. Foundation struck 12 months ago before he was victorious in the Royal Lodge at Newmarket.

Montataire could feasibly follow a similar path for the Mark Johnston operation. A tough and chiselled youngster – he has won four races in a busy juvenile campaign – the Cape Cross colt absolutely hacked up in a Listed event at Salisbury a few weeks ago.

Perhaps typically for a Johnston two-year-old, he arrives on Merseyside a little underrated for what he has actually achieved on a racecourse.

Montataire must give away weight to all of his rivals but he is a hardy enough sort to overcome that burden and also has the class to boot.

It could be a most profitable afternoon for Johnston, with the Middleham handler taken to win the totequadpot Sirenia Stakes at Kempton with THE LAST LION.

The two-year-old son of Choisir has danced every dance this season, having graduated from winning the Brocklesby at Doncaster to comfortably holding his own in Pattern races.

Runner-up at Royal Ascot, The Last Lion again impressed in the Gimcrack at York, when he came home third behind Blue Point.

Little wonder Johnston has decided to keep this very likeable youngster over six furlongs in what looks a winnable outing for jockey Joe Fanning.

The Group Three totescoop6 September Stakes is a bit on the trappy side but it could be worth a chance on the fitness of the long-absent SKY HUNTER.

Saeed bin Suroor is again likely to have the Melbourne Cup, in which he finished down the field last year, on this one's radar but he really must try to hit the ground running on his first start since Flemington.

Yet the 116-rated six-year-old has gone well fresh in the past and does not have many miles on the clock for a horse his age. James Doyle has the ride.

HEAVEN'S GUEST has hitherto had a pretty moderate campaign but he should not be discounted from the summit of the weights in the Albert Bartlett Handicap at Ascot.

Richard Fahey's six-year-old, ridden by Jack Garritty, might not have conditions completely in his favour – connections would like to see a few showers – but he is a very fine operator at the Berkshire track and showed a little more promise at Goodwood a week ago.

The consistent REAL DOMINION is worth an each-way dart in the Appletiser Stakes, with pilot Rob Hornby taking 3lb off Andrew Balding's course and distance winner.