Jarvis concerned as Sandown ground eases
Rakti has been a hot favourite for the Group One showpiece ever since he won the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes in good style on a fast surface at Royal Ascot.
But after the Esher track was hit by a series of showers last night and yesterday the ground has eased considerably from yesterday’s going report of good, good to firm in places.
Jarvis said: “I am concerned about the change in the ground.
“He’s won on soft ground before but we are talking about Mickey Mouse races.”
The Newmarket trainer said if the ground turned very soft he would have to discuss Rakti’s participation with owner Gary Tanaka.
Connections of second favourite Refuse To Bend would also not want the ground too soft.
The Godolphin colt won the Queen Anne Stakes over a mile at Royal Ascot on good to firm ground.
Refuse To Bend has raced further than a mile only once, when he appeared not to stay the 12 furlongs in the Vodafone Derby.
But his jockey Frankie Dettori believes today's mile and a quarter could be his optimum distance.
“From the first minute I rode the horse in Dubai I always thought 10 furlongs would be his trip and it was always the plan to step him up to a mile and a quarter, so this is his chance now,” he said.
David Elsworth runs both Norse Dancer and Salford City and he said: “If the wind keeps blowing I can’t believe it will be that testing tomorrow, and it might even start to dry out a bit.
“Good ground will be ideal for both of them and I’ll certainly not be getting worried about things.”
Warrsan will be running over 10 furlongs for the first time since his debut three years ago and the easier ground does not concern Clive Brittain too much.
He said: “He’s won on good to soft ground and unless it went very heavy I don’t think it would be a problem.”
Brian Meehan has withdrawn last year’s third Kaieteur because of a slight knock to his off-fore joint.
