Paul Hanagan: Alejandro can end my frustrations at Beverley

The £150,000 John Smith’s Cup is a race that Richard Fahey’s yard always targets. Indeed, the whole two-day meeting at York next Friday and Saturday is one that I really enjoy every year.

We already have a strong team assembled for the 10-furlong feature race – first run in 1960 – which is one of the biggest betting events in the calendar and one of British horse racing’s heritage handicaps.

The two horses that, at this stage, I would pick out from the seven entered from the yard are Tepmokea and Kay Gee Be.

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Both are in good form. Tepmokea loves Knavesmire, and was last seen out scoring his second York victory for me when winning the Jorvik Stakes at the Dante Festival.

Kay Gee Be was placed in the Ladbrokes.com Stakes at York last month. It is still early days to be certain, but those would be the two from which I would choose a ride at the moment.

Back to this weekend, and the major race in the North is the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock Park. I’ve won it twice in the last three years, but I won’t be making it three from four in 2011 because I’m riding at Beverley! However, I’ve still got a tip.

Dorcas Lane ran a blinder to be third in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot for me on soft ground that she hated. As long as it’s not soft at Haydock Park, then I think she could run very well indeed.

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The Lancashire Oaks was identified as the target after her promising run at the royal meeting and my weighing room colleague, Luke Morris, has a good chance of another big race victory to follow up his triumph in the Prix de L’Abbaye in Paris last autumn.

Dorcas Lane won’t be favourite for the extended 1m 3f race, but she could be an attractive price.

Most of the last week or so has been frustrating for me in the saddle, with a few horses going close but not quite making it into first spot. I’m aiming to put that right.

My best chances of winners at Beverley over the next 24 hours come this evening.

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The form of Alejandro’s last race at Musselburgh is working out well with the winner, Frederick Engels, having gone on to victory at Royal Ascot.

I think my lad – who ran at York in May – will take the beating in the four-runner novice stakes at 7pm, with Sir Mark Prescott’s horse Quite A Thing, which won on its debut three weeks ago, being the threat.

Half-an-hour later, I’m on board Ted’s Brother in a 7f handicap. I won on him eight days ago at Newcastle. He was quite fresh, and he can only improve on that winning performance and has a good opportunity to follow up.

I would highlight two horses for tomorrow afternoon at Beverley.

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Badea made his debut just over a month ago and ran a decent race at Haydock Park to finish fourth. For his third outing, in the 2.50 race tomorrow, it all depends if the penny has dropped. I do like him but he is very green.

Normandy Maid would not be without a chance in the 4.05pm handicap.

It doesn’t look the strongest of races and she could go well.

Paul Hanagan should be back at York on Friday and Saturday, July 8-9 when the 52nd John Smith’s Cup is the centrepiece.

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The triumph of Vintage Premium in 2002 was a highlight in the year that Paul became champion apprentice and he will be keen to win the £150,000 feature of Saturday’s card.

Later in July, evening racing and live music come to Knavesmire, with Blondie performing on Friday July 22 and Scouting for Girls on Saturday, July 23 after the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes. Advanced booked prices for July start at £12 and more details can be found on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk or by calling 01904 620911.