'If he wins he could go up a couple of pounds and go to Ascot' - plenty in with chances in competitive York sprint handicap

The Macmillan Sprint has been a happy hunting ground for Clive Cox lately and he has made sure all bases are covered in a bid to continue his excellent recent record.

Cox has won two of the last three runnings, including with Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes entry James's Delight last year, and fields three this time.

Heading the team is Fast Track Harry, who has his first run in a handicap, while Diligently returns to the scene of his biggest triumph in a valuable juvenile sales race at last year's Ebor meeting. Completing Cox's team is The Dragon King, who also landed a lucrative sales contest at Newmarket as a juvenile.

Cox said: "It's a race we've done well in over the past three or four years. Fast Track Harry was very impressive at Doncaster last time and deserves to step up into better company. Diligently was a course-and-distance winner in the sales race there last year and we've targeted this after a very pleasing run at Chester. 

"We were confused about the behaviour of The Dragon King last time at Newmarket hence he is sporting blinkers but he is still giving out all the right signals at home."

Will it be a Ventures victory?

Pompey Ventures came agonisingly close to landing big handicap glory in Yorkshire this year, but have another chance to do so with Tuco Salamanca. 

The syndicate was edged out by a nose with Oliver Show in the Lincoln at Doncaster in March, but bids to scoop this £125,000 prize with the Ollie Sangster-trained three-year-old.

Ollie Sangster: trainer of Tuco SalamancaCredit: Alan Crowhurst (racingpost.com/photos)

Sangster said: "He's been fun and consistent for his owners and was unlucky on All-Weather Finals day, but ran well in defeat. He's sneaked in with a low weight and I hope they get a drop of rain too. 

"If he wins he could go up a couple of pounds and go to Ascot, but this is a good race in its own right."

What they say

Michael Dods, trainer of Northern Ticker
It's been very difficult to race him as there's been nothing for him. We had him in at Newmarket a few weeks ago but it was too firm. He's in good form but he's a big horse and he'll definitely improve from this. He could do with a bit of juice in the ground.

Richard Brown, racing adviser to Wathnan Racing, owners of Columnist
We had thought about going to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at Royal Ascot, but even though it's a stiff five furlongs there it probably wouldn't suit. He's lost his way a bit, but this is a sensible place to go and see if he can bounce back.

George Gill, founder of Opulence Thoroughbreds, owners of Marchogion
He's in great form and is improving. He's never really put a foot wrong and he won very nicely at Newmarket last time, in a fast time. He should have a really good chance.

David O'Meara, trainer of Dark Cloud Rising
He's been in good form. He may not necessarily need fast ground, but the fast six furlongs should suit him well.

Roger Teal, trainer of Hucklesbrook
He needed the race at Ascot but ran solidly. He came forward for that at Leicester – he did very well and won nicely. If he brings that form to the table, then you’d put him in the mix. I don’t think he’s really ground dependent – he’s pretty versatile. He’s got a nice draw in the middle.

Hucklesbrook (rail): Roger Teal hope well drawn at YorkCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Jack Channon, trainer of Crestofdistinction
He's a very nice colt who has really started to flourish in the last month. He ran a solid race at Leicester last time when the ground was fast enough. If the track gets some rain overnight he'll run a nice race.

Adam Ryan, assistant trainer to Kevin Ryan, trainer of American Style and Territorial Knight
American Style finished second in a similar race at Newmarket last time and has been very consistent. This should suit and he goes there in good form again. Territorial Knight travelled great last time and this fast track should suit.

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