San set to shine in Cup

The eight-year-old finished 10th in the historic staying handicap in 2008, but put up a fine performance to claim third 12 months ago off a 2lb lower mark than which he runs off this time.

He has shown up well to finish third at Nottingham and Ripon on his last couple of appearances and Norton-based Fahey, who won the Chester Cup with Greenwich Meantime in 2007, feels those runs have left him spot-on for this latest assignment.

"He ran well off a similar mark last year and the draw is vital, so we're happy with stall six," said Fahey.

"I'm hoping he'll get the trip well, as a lot of them don't, and we've been very pleased with his last couple of runs.

"He had a big weight at Ripon the other day but I really wanted to get another run into him before the Chester Cup.

"There's no worries with the ground for him as he goes on anything."

David Pipe believes Mamlook has everything in his favour as he bids for just his second career success on the Flat.

The six-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season over obstacles and has shown he is equally capable on the level, with placed efforts in the last two renewals of the Cesarewitch at Newmarket.

"He's been fantastic for us and while he's been on the go a long time, he seems to be in great form at home," said Pipe.

"Richard Hughes thought this track would suit him so we're looking forward to it.

"We've got a good draw (stall five) and the ground is drying out all the time which should suit."

While Halla San and Mamlook have fared well in the draw, some of his chief rivals have had their chances severely dented by receiving much wider starting berths.

Bernie The Bolt had been the ante-post favourite for the race but having been drawn in stall 15, trainer Andrew Balding is downbeat about his chances.

"The draw is obviously not a help and it's certainly going to make life very hard for him," said Balding.

"He's in good order and stays well and will hopefully handle the track, but it's a big ask from out there.

"It was always the plan to start him off in this race as he does stay and it's an obvious race to go for."