Michael Bell is hoping Tactician's liking for the track will stand the Queen's horse in good stead in the John Smith's Silver Cup at York.
The four-year-old put up a good performance when going down by only half a length to Mount Athos in the Melrose Handicap over the course and distance last August.
He also had to settle for second on his reappearance behind Yorgunnablucky at Newmarket in May, but was then a late withdrawal from the Northumberland Plate two weeks ago as the ground was considered too soft.
"He's in good form and we're hoping the ground stays on the good side. He's very well. It looks a competitive race but it's a good slot for him," said Bell.
"He ran very well at York in the Melrose, so we know he likes the track. His comeback run was good, so he ought to run well."
Cracking Lass and High Office represent Richard Fahey, but the North Yorkshire trainer believes this is an exceptionally good renewal of this race and is a trial for next month's totesport Ebor in all but name.
He said: "They are both in good order, but it's an extremely competitive race. York must be proud of it. It's an Ebor trial. We'll be doing our best. We'll just have to see what happens."
La Vecchia Scuola's recent form figures suggest she is up against it, but trainer Jim Goldie has not lost faith in the seven-year-old mare, who finished in midfield behind Tominator in the Northumberland Plate.
"She's a pound wrong in the weights, but I hope she'll run well," said Goldie. "She ran well in the Plate last time and was second in the Cesarewitch last year. I hope she can go one better here."
Posts
