York return beckons as Doctor Sardonicus hangs on

Doctor Sardonicus was clinging on at the line but did enough to land the feature 6f handicap, potentially breathing new life into his campaign.

After progressing smartly on the all-weather last year, the David Simcock-trained five-year-old shaped well on his seasonal reappearance when fifth behind Duke Of Firenze at York in May.

Back at the same venue and distance a fortnight later Doctor Sardonicus completely fluffed his lines, beating only two of 15 home in the Spring Sprint, but a relieved Simcock is now eyeing a return to the Knavesmire in three weeks.