Kid is bang on course for Knavesmire success

A pleasing Goodwood Cup reappearance following a disappointing run in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival have tempted connections to contest big Flat handicaps this summer, with York's Ebor first on the agenda.

An unlucky-in-running seventh on the Knavesmire last year, King was "chuffed to bits" with his Tobougg gelding at Goodwood, and believes the race has put the five-year-old bang on course.

"It was very pleasing, as he has only been back with us five weeks," said King.

"Hayley (Turner) said that he came there with half a chance of getting in the money, but a furlong and a half out he just took a gasp for air, and she sensibly looked after him then.

"The race will have done him the power of good, and he'll be out in the field again this weekend before we start continuing his preparation towards the Ebor, in which he ran so well in last year."

Rival jumps trainer Donald McCain says it is a "50-50" chance whether Overturn, last week's Galway Hurdle winner, will take his place in the famous Knavesmire handicap.

"He was a little tired when he got home, so we haven't decided what we're going to do with him yet," said McCain.

"Although he was fresh after the race, by the time he got home he looked like he'd had enough, so we'll see how he is later this week."

McCain is looking forward to campaigning his charge over timber during the National Hunt season proper.

The six-year-old's owner Tim Leslie has another classy hurdler on his hands in the unbeaten Peddlers Cross, a Cheltenham and Aintree winner, but McCain is keen for the two of them not to cross paths.

"We have mentioned the Fighting Fifth for Peddlers Cross and nothing is set in stone, but the two of them wouldn't be taking each other on until the Spring if that's where they both ended up," added McCain.

Eyecatching Gordon Stakes runner-up Dandino, trained at Gainsborough by James Given, has come out of the Goodwood race in fine form and is firmly on target for a crack at the Ladbrokes St Leger.

Improving beyond all recognition this season, the three-year-old has progressed rapidly from winning a Redcar maiden in April to being beaten just a head in Group Three company.

The Sportingbet.com Great Voltigeur Stakes at York is next, with the Leger the ultimate goal.

Bawtry trainer David Griffiths had his first winner on Saturday when Yungaburra prevailed at Thirsk in impressive fashion.

Griffiths used to be a riding instructor at the Northern Racing College before setting up his own training yard in February. He has had 25 runners to date and is "delighted" to have had his first triumph.

He is hopeful Yungaburra can follow-up this weekend; the horse has four entries and is clearly one to follow.

An inquiry into whether top Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien obstructed the stewards at York following Cape Blanco's winning run in the Dante Stakes will be heard today. O'Brien refused to allow Cape Blanco, a subsequent Irish Derby winner, to be trotted up before the vet after the race.