Fanshawe fears rain could scupper Tin Man's chance

3.30 York
Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (Group 2) | 6f, 3yo+ | ITV4/RUK

James Fanshawe will be hoping history repeats itself in this £125,000 contest with star sprinter The Tin Man bidding to emulate the yard’s former two-time Group 1 winner Society Rock in carrying top weight to victory.

A success at the highest level in the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot in October results in the five-year-old carrying a 5lb penalty, although the extra weight has not proved insurmountable in recent years, with Abbaye winner Maarek also belying the burden to score in 2014.

Fanshawe warns a significant amount of rainfall may catch The Tin Man out on his first run of the campaign.

However, the recent rain is a positive for the Kevin Ryan-trained Brando, who landed the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last month, and boasts an excellent record when running on ground on the easy side of good, winning four races and placing on four occasions from ten starts.

Open event

Don’t be surprised if there is a shock result to this Group 2 contest. Six of the last eight runnings have been won by horses at double-figure prices, most notably Glass Office in 2015, who triumphed at 40-1.

History bid

Charlie Hills has the chance to emulate his father in this race with Magical Memory aiming for back-to-back wins, a feat last achieved by the Barry Hills-trained Handsome Sailor in 1988.

Click here for our rundown of the speedsters set to blaze a trail this season

What they say

James Fanshawe, trainer of The Tin Man
His Ascot form has worked out well and it’ll be nice to get the first run out of the way. He likes a bit of cut in the ground but it depends how much they end up getting as to whether it will be in his favour. It was terrible ground when he was second at Haydock and if they have a lot of rain it might just catch him out fitness-wise.

Adam Ryan, son and assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Brando
It was always the case that he would improve for his run at Newmarket, but he won well that day and we couldn’t be happier with him. The rain is an added bonus.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Growl
Last year he took a while to come to himself but he’s training really well this time around. We’re extremely happy with him and he has plenty of form with juice in the ground last year.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Magical Memory
He's fine and I've been pleased with his work this spring. It's always been the plan to run him here but he didn't want too much of the rain that has fallen. His draw looks all right with a bit of pace around of him. He can go well fresh and I think he's probably fitter than he was for his first race last year.

Mick Channon, trainer of Mobsta
The rain is a big plus – we’ve been waiting for it for so long now it’s like the Sahara out there! He needed his first run and he’s a good horse on his day. The track shouldn’t bother him but it looks a competitive race.

Bryan Smart, trainer of Nameitwhatyoulike
He’ll like every drop of rain and he loves the track. He ran well at Doncaster on his return, giving 3lb to the winner, and he’ll have come on for the run as he’s a big horse.

David O' Meara, trainer of Suedois
He was second in the race last year and he's had a good winter. This has been the plan and he won't mind ease in the ground.

William Haggas, trainer of Tasleet
He’s in good form and has improved for his comeback run but any further rain would be detrimental to his chances.