Richard Fahey reckons Growl can roar in the John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock on Saturday
Fahey's five-year-old has plenty of classy form over sprinting distances although he is yet to fully convince that seven furlongs suits him just as well
TRAINER Richard Fahey believes Growl can flourish at seven furlongs when he lines up for the Betway John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock on Saturday.
The five-year-old has top-class form at six furlongs, including a second to The Tin Man in the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot in October.
He has yet to win at the longer distance in two attempts.
"He's in good form. He probably ran a bit fresh first time out, but we're happy and hope he runs a big race," said Fahey.
"I've no worries about the trip and the ground should be fine.
"We're comfortable with him."
In contrast, Mitchum Swagger is dropping down in trip after contesting the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury three weeks ago when he was seventh, with fellow John of Gaunt rival Breton Rock third.
"He seems fine, I haven't done much with him," said his trainer David Lanigan.
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"He likes the track, but unfortunately we're dropping down to seven furlongs.
"These are conditions he likes so at this time of the year we have to take a shot at it."
The rain-softened ground is also likely to favour Jallota, who shaped well on his reappearance in the bet365 Mile at Sandown in April when third behind Sovereign Debt.
"He should like the ground and the trip is perfect for him," said trainer Charlie Hills.
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"It's quite a competitive race.
"He ran a good race at Sandown and we've all been happy with him since.
"He's got a good a chance as any."
David O'Meara has two bites at the cherry with So Beloved and That Is The Spirit.
Owner Keith Brown believes his runner Dream Walker is capable of causing an upset if the ground becomes testing.
"He's a real mudlark this horse and he showed at Galway last summer that he's a got a bit of quality," he said.
"I'm not pretending we are the best horse in the field, but he might just pick up in the pieces and we could even nick it if the ground gets really demanding."