如果場地到時太快,Twice Over 會考慮唔跑
Henry Cecil has stated Vodafone Derby favourite Twice Over will only run in the totesport Dante Stakes if the ground is suitable.
All eyes are this week on York for Classic clues after a series of unsatisfactory trials have left the Epsom waters slightly muddied.
And a good performance from the Craven Stakes winner on Thursday would surely reignite the Derby market.
But with the ground drying after another fine day in Yorkshire, Cecil advised punters that the Observatory colt will only line up if the ground is not too quick.
"He hits the ground hard and the ground will need to be safe," reasoned the Newmarket handler.
"He wouldn't want it like a road."
York clerk of the course William Derby will assess conditions after Wednesday's meeting before deciding whether to water the track before the Dante fixture.
"We put 5mm of water on the track yesterday and the going read 8.6 on the stick, however, it has firmed up slightly to 9.3," said clerk of the course William Derby.
"We are going into the meeting on good to firm ground and we are really pleased with how it looks - we couldn't be happier.
"Obviously we will look at it this time tomorrow and if we feel the need to water on Wednesday night, we will if we feel it merits it.
"It's fresh ground and the first meeting of the season - we are really looking forward to it."
If Twice Over runs he will face John Gosden's Centennial, who won the Classic Trial at Sandown on his last start and is expected to put up a stern test to the likely favourite.
Sir Michael Stoute, who won the race with the Ballymacoll Stud-owned North Light before he went on to Epsom glory in 2004, runs Tartan Bearer, who represents the same connections.
McCartney has his first start for Godolphin after his switch from Mark Johnston's yard.
He won the Champagne Stakes impressively for the Middleham handler last season.
However, Frankie Dettori rides Young Pretender, who was transferred from Gosden's yard.
Aidan O'Brien relies solely on Frozen Fire, who was having only his second start when finishing eighth in the Racing Post Trophy last autumn.
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