Can Mekong bowl them over for cricket-mad duo? Key views on the Grand Cup

Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Grand Cup Stakes (Listed) | 1m6f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

It is little wonder owner Philip Newton and trainer Sir Michael Stoute have done so well together down the years given the pair share a patient approach to their racing and an overwhelming love of cricket.

The likes of Warringah, Hi Calypso and Rob Roy have all carried Newton’s colours with distinction, but whether he will be at York on Saturday to see Mekong do the same will depend on whether he can tear himself away from the Cricket World Cup.

"I just love cricket so the World Cup has got me captivated at the moment," Newton said. "I'm pondering whether to go to York but it'll depend on the weather and if I can take myself away from watching the cricket!”

Should Newton make the journey to the Knavesmire he could be rewarded by watching his four-year-old take victory in the Grand Cup, which is the third and final race guaranteeing the winner a place in the £1 million Sky Bet Ebor in August.

Sir Michael Stoute: trainer of MekongCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's certainly a progressive horse," Newton said. "It's important we take it step by step and the one thing about this family is that they are good when they want to be. There's no point rushing them, you have to take your time and let them come to themselves and hopefully that's what he's doing now."

The £1m Ebor is part of the upgrades made to the staying programme by racing's stakeholders, and Newton is more than happy to be owning and breeding stayers rather than focusing on the trend of speed and precocity.

"I could not breed a different type of horse if I tried as the families I have are made for these sorts of races," he said. "I love the idea and the challenge of breeding nice, middle distance horses.

"I also think this is a better pool to be swimming in. I sometimes feel people are led down the wrong path as it’s very difficult to be operating in that fast, commercial division."

Johnston duo out to stop Mekong

High-class stayers are something the Mark Johnston stable is associated with and next week Dee Ex Bee will bid to win the trainer a fourth Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

On Saturday he fields Making Miracles and Austrian School against Mekong, who finished just in front of the pair when second in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown.

Charlie Johnston: 'There is some good prize-money to be picked up'Credit: Louise Pollard

Charlie Johnston, son and assistant to Mark Johnston, said: "Austrian School has a head to find with Mekong but he's quite versatile regarding ground. I expect him to go well and this is on the way to either the Northumberland Plate or the Curragh Cup at the end of the month.

"We know Making Miracles stays very well and he, too, will be going onto the Northumberland Plate. There is some good prize-money to be picked up and I hope both of them will be in the shake-up."

What they say

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Buzz
We're running a bit out of frustration as really he wants decent ground but we're struggling to get it at the moment. When he ran at Nottingham last year it looked like he didn't get the trip but he didn't scope great after that so it’s worth another go. We’re realistic but it’s worth a go at something like this with him at this stage of the season.

Ian Williams, trainer of Gold Mount
Gold Mount is in good form and joined us earlier this season. This looks a good place to start back and he’s been in good shape at home. There’s the long-term option of going for the Melbourne Cup and the Ebor is something to consider too.

David Elsworth, trainer of Desert Skyline
He had never run a bad race until he ran in the Gold Cup last year and he ran wrong. I ran him in the Yorkshire Cup last month and he was fresh but he ran okay so if he improves on that he'd have a chance. But the horses are out of form.

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