Mark Johnston’s Cardsharp in good form ahead of Saturday’s Gimcrack Stakes at York racecourse
Cardsharp could only manage third under a penalty at Goodwood and despite having to carry the penalty again the drying conditions are right up his street this time
CONNECTIONS of Cardsharp are expecting a better performance in Saturday's Gimcrack Stakes at York.
Mark Johnston's colt won the July Stakes at Newmarket but could only finish third under a penalty in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.
He carries the penalty once again, but the drying ground is in his favour.
Assistant trainer Charlie Johnston said: "He didn't show his true running at Goodwood and at this stage we are putting it down to the soft ground.
"At Newmarket when he won, he hit the line very strongly whereas at Goodwood, he travelled like the best horse in the race but couldn't quicken.
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"Hopefully it was because of the ground and he will show his best on Saturday.
"He has to carry a penalty again but horses who have a penalty have a good record in the race and he goes there in good shape."
William Haggas' Headway bids to bounce back from his sixth in the Richmond.
Harry Herbert, racing manager for the owners, said: "It was just a disaster at Goodwood. The ground was hopeless for him and he raced out on his own. It couldn't have gone any worse for him.
"The horse is much better than that and with the better ground here at York, he should be competitive.
"William is pleased with him and his form is solid. He has done well physically and we expect him to run a big race.
"He has got a good spot in the middle so I don't think the draw will be a problem."
Frozen Angel takes a drop in class after finishing fifth in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes.
Colin Gorman, Dascombe's assistant, said: "His form is rock-solid.
"We've not had the run of the green on our side - we always feel a bit unlucky sometimes and we're coming here with a big shout on Saturday.
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"It wasn't a tough call with a horse like him. We've gone for the prestige rather than the money."
Tim Easterby has already secured one big juvenile prize this week, with Wells Farhh Go winning the Acomb Stakes, and he looks to Staxton to give him a big-race double.
He said: "He's a really nice horse. We knew him and Wells Farhh Go were up with our best.
"He defied a penalty last time out and I've been surprised at how many have tried and failed to do that. Not many have managed it, but he has. He won't be out of place, that's for sure."
Stormbringer was a winner at Redcar last time and trainer Kevin Ryan, who is seeking a fourth win in the race, admits this is a steep hike in company.
He said: "He's in great form and ready to run. We think a lot of him, but obviously this is a big step up from Redcar to the Gimcrack.
"It was nothing but a lone gallop when he won last time, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on."