Richard Fahey Column ahead of John Smith's Cup day at York
Another Touch returns to action under a low weight at York and trainer Richard Fahey guides us through the entire Saturday team.
3.15 York - Crownthorpe
I'd like a drop of two of rain there for Crownthorpe. He goes on decent ground but I just feel he's a bit more effective with some ease. I got sucked into declaring for the race as it's quite a small field so we'd be hopeful.
3.50 York - Another Touch
He ran well in the race last year and looks to have a better draw this time around so it'll be interesting to see how he goes. He's come down the weights and he's very fit and very well but it'd be a big shout if he went and won this first time out for the year. He just came in a little bit later than usual but I'm happy enough with him to have a go and it's good that he just got in at the bottom of the weights.
5.00 York - Staxton Hill
His work has been quite good but I'd be pleasantly surprised if he were to win first time out. He'll win races I'm sure but it's never easy to go and do it on debut at York.
5.35 York - Teenar & My Kinda Day
Teenar is a tough, hardy horse and the six furlongs will suit him well. We thought My Kinda Day was a really nice horse and he's just disappointed a little bit but he's starting in handicaps now off a fair sort of mark so hopefully he can bounce back and show us what he was showing at home in the spring time.
3.30 Newmarket - Zap
He's in the Bunbury Cup and won the consolation for this race last year. We've put the visors on him for the first time and hopefully if can just bring him back. Course form is a boost here we're hoping he can be revitalised. He's another one under a low weight which is nice for a valuable prize on a Saturday.
5.15 Newmarket - Doctor Cross
Doctor Cross hasn't been the easiest to train but we're happy with him. He'll need his A-game as there are a few progressive three-year-olds in the race but we're happy with where he's at based on his homework.
2.00 Chester - Upstate New York
He's going the right way and got hampered the other day. He did quite well to catch up and if he jumps on terms then I'd expect he could go close.
3.45 Chester - Gabrial The One
He's been very busy but this is a step up in trip. The owner is keen to run and I'd say he'll probably stay, especially in such a small field as I wouldn't have thought they'll go too hard in front.
4.20 Chester - Dark Devil
He's been a disappointing horse really. He ran alright there a couple of starts ago and would have a chance if back to that level of form. But I won't be holding my breath.
5.30 Chester - Pacino
Seven furlongs around Chester on decent ground will be just about perfect for him and he's been running okay. He might just be a fraction high in the handicap.
1.45 Ascot - Fool For You, Growl, Gabrial The Saint, & Brian The Snail
Dr Marwan runs three in the race and obviously want to win it. Growl ran well last time at York and this would be his best trip. He's also got Gabrial The Saint who did well to win over a sharp five last time. He's quite well handicapped now so might just be able to come home well, while Brian The Snail has been mainly disappointing but he has plenty of ability. The trip might be a bit on the sharp side for him but he's not been in bad nick. He didn't have a great draw last time.
Fool For You won the Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle and was never in trouble that day. She was in superb form and travelled really well so if she's in that kind of form again I'd be hopeful.
5.30 Hamilton - Spygate
Spygate improved from the first run to the second and could improve again. It just looks an ideal race for him and on paper either mine or Karl's will win - I just hope it's me.
6.35 Hamilton - Diamond Shower
Soft ground wouldn't bother her and she's holding her form well. She's very fit and well and will have a decent chance.
7.05 Hamilton - Royal Cosmic
She's a course and distance winner and has been running well all year. She's probably not got a huge amount in hand from the handicapper but I've said that before and they've won.
8.05 Hamilton - Shazzab
She's come down the weights after a disappointing run. We've put the headgear on hoping it sparks something but I couldn't be overly bullish.
8.20 Salisbury - Amber Spark
Amber Spark is our only runner down at Salisbury and I'm hoping the trip pays off. Nick (Bradley) was quite keen to run and she's not a bad filly who has done well since winning last time but personally I'm just a fraction worried about the ground.
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