John Smith's treble chance for Fahey with Knavesmire

IAN PAUL, Racing Correspondent

Published on 11 Jul 2009

RICHARD FAHEY, the Malton trainer, has done more than his bit to keep the John Smith's Cup in Yorkshire, and might well do it again this afternoon on the Knavesmire.

RICHARD FAHEY, the Malton trainer, has done more than his bit to keep the John Smith's Cup in Yorkshire, and might well do it again this afternoon on the Knavesmire.

Fahey, who has been in sparkling form this season, has won this big 10 furlong handicap three times in the past seven years, including the past two in a row.

Considering how competitive a race this is, that is a superb record and it is testament to his talents that it would be no great surprise if he managed the treble. He saddles three contenders, Albaaqua, Unbreak My Heart and Deep Winter. The first named is the one who has been backed in the ante-post market and has run well in his latest two races, both over today's course and distance.

He was second over nine furlongs last month and before that had been fourth to one of today's rivals, Moonquake, over this trip and track. He is 8lbs better off for the four lengths he was behind that Godolphin horse and that should mean there would be little between them this time. Among many others who could win this, the Lua Cumani- trained Riggins, lightly raced and probably aimed at this race for some time, has to be prominent.

He won in impressive style at Goodwood over a mile and may well be better suited to the extra two furlongs here. Kingdom O Fife, owned by The Queen and trained by Sir Michael Stoute, and Nanton, trained by Scottish based Jim Goldie, are two more who come very much into the picture.

They met in the Zetland Cup at Redcar when Kingdom of Fife won, with the Scottish horse two and a half lengths behind. Goldie's charge is 7lbs better off this time and is entitled to be fancied to reverse the form. However, the younger horse, Kingdom of Fife (3.10) should have further improvement in him and is taken to win again.

At Ascot, course specialist Cesare will take the beating in the Totesport.com Summer Mile, although the opposition is classy enough to be tough. Confront, the Stoute-trained candidate, and Aqlaam, who is trained by William Haggas, look the biggest threats.

The former has proved himself Group class and is very consistent, while Aqlaam finished just half a length behind Cesare when they were second and third in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. It may be close between them again but Cesare (2.50) is the choice.

Secret Society and Espiritu, who were second and fourth in the blanket finish for the Brittania Stakes at the royal meeting, meet on the same terms in the Totescoop6 Stakes and must go close, However, Suruor (1.50), who returns to the seven-furlong trip which seems to suit him best and could beat them both, as well as the others.

At Chester, it might be worthwhile having a small wager on Ho Ho Ho (3.30) who has won over the course and distance, to beat a smart field in the Listed Toteswinger City Wall Stakes.

At Hamilton tonight, Crimea (7.40) could be another winner for the Mark Johnston- Joe Fanning team in the McNair Builders Merchants Handicap.