'He should be three from three' - key quotes as Sunday Series draws to a close

The first Sky Bet Sunday Series comes to a close later than planned at Haydock on Sunday night, a fixture rearranged after the August 8 meeting was cancelled due to a waterlogged track.

There are healthy fields for the seven-race card which was originally supposed to be the middle leg of three dates with the other fixtures being staged at Musselburgh (July 25) and Sandown (August 22).

The £600,000 series has been well received by many with over £185,700 on offer on this card.

Among those supporting the series finale is Newmarket trainer Harry Eustace who sends three runners including recent winner Ancient Times, who is favourite for the Sky Bet Sunday Series Sprint Handicap (4.35) over 6f.

Eustace said: "We're rather new to the Sunday Series but it's great prize-money and hopeful we can come back with some. Ancient Times won well last time and it will be interesting to see how he handles going up in grade. We don't know if he's a proper six-furlong horse or better at five, but it's an easy six at Haydock so he should be okay if the ground stays quick."

Eustace, who took over from his father James in the spring, enjoyed a two-year-old winner in the Jeff Smith colours at Chelmsford on Thursday and is hoping Flaming Lord can repeat the trick in the Sky Bet Sunday Series Nursery Handicap (5.30).

The son of Zarak has been knocking at the door in recent weeks when finishing runner-up at Yarmouth and Nottingham, but Eustace intends to employ different tactics.

He said: "Flaming Lord was there to be shot at by a strong finisher at Nottingham and before that was second to a Hugo Palmer horse who has since been placed in a Listed race. He's due a change of luck and we may well hang on to him this time."

The trio from Park Lane Stables is completed by the consistent Astrogem, who carries top weight in the Sky Bet Sunday Series Fillies Handicap (6.00).

Eustace said: "Astrogem ran better at Carlisle last time than she did previously at Newmarket and if it stays fast she would have an each-way chance. There looks as if there is going to be plenty of pace on which should suit."

Eustace's Newmarket counterpart James Ferguson has pulled one of his two runners out, but does send recent Goodwood winner Snowalot, who has sound claims in the closing Sky Bet Sunday Series Handicap (6.55).

Ferguson said: "It's a great initiative and Snowalot should be three from three really as he was unlucky at Sandown and then won nicely at Goodwood. It looks like we have Grant Tuer's Emaraty Hero to beat, but our fellow should enjoy the step up to two miles."

Read more Sunday previews:

2.20 Curragh: Love faces serious opposition dropping down in grade for the Blandford Stakes

2.55 Curragh: Nunthorpe Stakes heroine Winter Power faces fierce test in Flying Five

3.30 Curragh: Agartha and Homeless Songs renew rivalry in fascinating Moyglare Stud Stakes

4.05 Curragh: 'Straightforward' Point Lonsdale out to extend perfect record in National Stakes

4.40 Curragh: Can Search For A Song land the hat-trick in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh?

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