Sharp-shooting Cowboy Soldier bids to outgun sprint handicap rivals

Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap | 5f, 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

It's never easy separating a Yorkshireman from his money and this £30,000 handicap has been closely guarded, with only one winner from outside the county in the past decade.

But Robert Cowell is full of hope that he can take the prize to Newmarket with Cowboy Soldier, who defied a wide draw to win at Kempton last month.

That effort suggested the lightly raced four-year-old is an improved horse this year and a 6lb rise in the handicap is far from punitive for a sprinter who has only finished outside the first three once in eight outings.

"We expected him to run well at Kempton but not as well as he did," the trainer reflected. "We thought the draw would be too much of a burden but he showed loads of speed.

"He's always had a lot of talent. He's up a notch in class tomorrow but he's in great form at home."

Shot targeting one place better

Many a familiar face turns up year after year in this race, with Ancient Cross and Duke of Firenze both winning it twice in the last eight seasons.

Four of those who followed the smart El Astronaute home in 2018 try again, notably Dark Shot who hit the front in the final 75 yards that day only to be caught in the last few strides.

That was a fine effort first time out and he has the advantage of a prep run 12 months on, having been beaten just a neck at Epsom three weeks ago.

"He ran very well in this last year first time for me," trainer Scott Dixon recalled.

"He ran well enough on his seasonal comeback at Epsom and that will have put him a bit straighter. He seems to have come on nicely for it so he looks to have every chance, he just needs the cards to fall right for him."

KEY STAT
Only one winner has come from a double-figure stall since 2010

What they say

Declan Carroll, trainer of Justanotherbottle & Abel Handy
They're in good form. Abel Handy won well at Musselburgh and he's been in good form since. He'll like the ground and trip and he'll be competitive, for sure. It's first time out for Justanotherbottle and all roads will lead towards the Stewards' Cup again but he's in good nick and we're looking forward to running him as well.

Tim Easterby, trainer of Copper Knight & Eeh Bah Gum
They were going a notch too quick when Copper Knight was second at Chester. He’s really quick but gets five furlongs well. Eeh Bah Gum likes fast ground and a flat track and has come back in good form. He was a little bit free from a bad draw first time.

Paul Midgley, trainer of Orvar & Line Of Reason
Line Of Reason is in great form and ran well at Beverley and Musselburgh. The faster the ground the better for him. Orvar missed Chester last week as the ground went against him, he's a good-ground horse. He's in good form and looks magnificent, they both do.

Martin Dixon, part-owner of Saaheq
This has been the plan ever since he won at Musselburgh and his work has been very good. He's drawn one and I just hope he's on the right side but if he gets a good tow into the race he should run well.

Bryan Smart, trainer of Fairy Falcon & Fendale
Fendale is in good order and he'll love the ground. He's proven over course and distance and he's a smashing horse. Fairy Falcon is in good nick but I'm not sure she'll turn up as the ground may be too quick. I'd like to run her, if she's anything like her half-brother Alpha Delphini she'll love it there, but I don't want to damage her.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Powerallied
It was frustrating he missed the cut at Chester as that’s his track. He’s fit and ready to go so we’ll see how he handles York.

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