JOHNSTON'S ACE

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.

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  • 2.25 York - Dal Harraild: 'Progressive last season and he improved again to land a Listed race over 1m6f at this course in May'
  • 3.00 York - Daban: 'This might be a bigger field but it’s a weaker race and the drying conditions will suit her fine'
  • 3.35 York - Battaash: 'His brace of Sandown wins were good but he came of age when destroying a quality field at Goodwood last time'

    • "Hopefully it was because of the ground and he will show his best on Saturday.

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    "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."

    Haggas runs Headway who looks to bounce backCredit: PA

    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.

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    "The horse is much better than that and with the better ground here at York, he should be competitive.

    Headway was disappointing behind Barraquero (pictured)Credit: PA

    "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."

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    Frozen Angel takes a drop in class after finishing fifth in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes.

    Frozen Angel (grey horse, red cap) finished behind Sioux Nation last timeCredit: PA

    Colin Gorman, Dascombe's assistant, said: "His form is rock-solid.

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    "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.

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    Tim Easterby is hoping for a other big win after Wells Farhh Go's (left) victoryCredit: Getty Images

    "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.

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    "It was nothing but a lone gallop when he won last time, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on."

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