Roger Varian’s Barsanti ready to go for York’s John Smith’s Silver Cup Stakes
Barsanti was last seen chasing home Idaho at Royal Ascot in the Hardwicke Stakes and Varian is hoping he can record another win in this Listed event
TRAINER Roger Varian reckons Barsanti has a big chance in the John Smith's Silver Cup Stakes at York on Saturday.
Barsanti put in a career-best effort when chasing home Aidan O'Brien's Idaho at Royal Ascot, he now looks to back up that effort in the Listed event.
The five-year-old finished second to Pamona in this race 12 months ago.
Varian said: "Barsanti is in great form. He ran well at Ascot and he loves York as he has run well there previously. The ground will suit him as enjoys a sound surface.
"He looks to have very solid credentials. He has run well at this level before and it was a good run in the Hardwicke, this looks a good opportunity.
"The step back up in trip shouldn't be a problem and I think he will stay it. He was second in the race last year and he has probably improved a bit from 12 months ago."
MOST READ
Charlie Appleby is on a fact-finding mission with Rare Rhythm who could be in line for a trip to Australia later in the season.
He made a winning return to action with victory in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at the Royal meeting, on what was his first start since finishing eighth in the same race in 2016.
Appleby said: "It looks a bit of match between us and Roger. Obviously Roger's horse put up a great performance in the Hardwicke, but he goes there in great order.
"It wasn't a surprise at Ascot as I knew he was fit and his work had been good. He had been gelded and is lighter and more athletic now and is easier to get fitter.
"It was a pleasant surprise he won, but I was confident he would run a big race."
He added: "I am hopeful more than confident he will get the trip. The reason we are taking a look at it is it could open up some nice options in the second half of the season.
"We have got him pencilled in as a possible horse for Australia so I would rather see if we stay first before carting him halfway across the world."
The field is completed by Clever Cookie (Peter Niven), High Jinx (Tim Easterby), Nakeeta (Iain Jardine), Platitude (Sir Michael Stoute), and Saigon City (Declan Carroll).