Garswood’s form gives Fahey encouragement

The four-year-old is seeking his first win since landing this contest 12 months ago and faces a stiff task against Richard Hannon’s Group One winner Toormore.

However, Malton-based Fahey was encouraged by Garswood’s recent run at Newmarket when he narrowly failed to beat John Gosden’s Gregorian, who reopposes today.

Garswood wore blinkers on his most recent appearance, but Fahey has decided to fit him with a visor tomorrow.

“We’re happy with him and he’s in good form,” said the trainer. “He ran well at Newmarket and I just don’t think he saw the winner coming with the blinkers on. Hopefully he will with the visor. It would be nice to see him bounce back with a win, but we’ll see how we go.”

The long journey from South Yorkshire to Scotland paid off for Garry Moss as the trainer was on hand to welcome his two runners of the afternoon into the Ayr winner’s enclosure.

The Tickhill-based handler reached double figures for the season as Fredricka and The Dukkerer toughed it out in the hands of champion apprentice Jason Hart.

“It’s a hike all the way up here, but there were two good opportunities,” said Moss. “We’ve only 12 horses in training and that’s 10 winners we’ve had now and 14 seconds. They’re in good nick and we’re doing all right.”