Grand old Duke Of Firenze bids to roll back the years again for Griffiths

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Duke Of Firenze ended a two-year wait for a win at Thirsk in May 2019 and he returns to the track for his 84th racecourse appearance.

The 11-year-old, who won the 2013 Epsom Dash when trained by Sir Michael Stoute, has not got his nose in front since last year but went close last time when second at Musselburgh over the minimum trip.

"He ran well last time and was only narrowly beaten. He probably would have won if the ground was a bit quicker. It just seemed to blunt his speed a little bit," said Sophie Griffiths, assistant trainer to her husband David.

Duke Of Firenze: among the most popular veterans in trainingCredit: Andrew Dietz

"David Allan [jockey] gets on well with him and we're confident of a big run. He's been great for us and he seems as enthusiastic as ever."

Duke Of Firenze has earned £269,063 in prize-money since making his debut in July 2011 and has represented three trainers; Stoute, Robert Cowell and Griffiths, for whom he has made 58 starts.

What they say

David O'Meara, trainer of Watchable
He's coming back quite quickly after being narrowly beaten at Ripon on Thursday but he's in great form and goes well on quick ground.

Declan Carroll, trainer of Spartan Fighter
He's coming back from a gelding operation, which will hopefully help to focus him. He's got really good two-year-old form with A'Ali. He's pleasing us and has come out of his race at Royal Ascot well.

Paul Midgley, trainer of Indian Sounds and Tanasoq
Indian Sounds has been great this year and has won his last two starts. He's improving and the handicapper hasn't missed him so we're taking 3lb off with Connor Murtagh. He has a favourite's chance. Tanasoq has been a little disappointing and has had a few issues. He's worked well at home but has not been showing us that on the track.

John Dance, owner of Mighty Spirit
We thought she'd only run as a two-year-old as she was only small. She went to all the big dances last year, including the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot and the Super Sprint at Newbury. She got off the mark in October and again ran well at Ascot, before blowing her chance in the stalls at York last time. We expect her to go well off her mark.

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