Thursday, 16 September 2010

Genki Up For It


Roger Charlton is hoping for more of the same from Genki when he lines up in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday.

The six-year-old ran a cracker to finish third in the Group One Sprint Cup at Haydock last time and Charlton hopes that means he is well-in for his return to handicapping.

The Beckhampton trainer told At The Races: "Genki's last race at Haydock was undoubtedly his best race. Last year he was running in the mid 90s, this year he ran in the Stewards' Cup off 106. He now drops back to 103 and in future he'll be running off 111. If the official handicapper is correct then we have 8lb in hand."

He added: "He came home very sore after the Stewards' Cup this year. We consistently have to look after his back. After Haydock he was sore again. He seems to be back in good shape again. We have to take that on trust.

"If the ground dries out at Ayr, which I think it will do, and it is good or good to firm, I would be happy with that."

Charlton's other entry Definightly needs nine horses to come out above him in the handicap.

The trainer said: "It looks to me as if he won't get in. Maybe two or three won't run, but I don't think it will be nine coming out in which case we will head for the Silver Cup.

"He has been a revelation and I'm not sure why. His Timeform rating is now 1lb above Genki.

"Whichever way you look at it, particularly with his 5lb claimer (Adam Beschizza), he could have upwards of 1st in hand. That doesn't necessarily translate into a good result, but in theory he's very well in."