Twice Over team delay Dante decision
Owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah, the son of Observatory has yet to taste defeat in three outings and reappeared with a taking win over Raven’s Pass in the Craven Stakes.
While the team would relish the opportunity to get another run into the colt before he bowls up at Epsom on June 7, Twice Over will not be risked if the ground is deemed too quick on the Knavesmire.
“There’s no decision as yet and we’re not likely to make one until the morning. However, the aim is to run,” explained Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to the owner.
“All we want is to make sure the ground is safe and that there is no jar in it.
“They are probably going to water tonight anyway.
“We are very keen to run because after this there is no other chance to get a run into him.”
Centennial progressed rapidly as a juvenile and returned this season with a narrow victory in Sandown’s Classic Trial last month.
Trainer John Gosden is looking forward to letting him loose once more, but admits Twice Over will be a very tough nut to crack if Cecil’s charge gets the go-ahead.
“Twice Over sets the standard, just as Lush Lashes did in the Musidora,” said Gosden, whose Dar Re Mi finished third behind Jim Bolger’s filly on Wednesday.
“Twice Over links in with the 2000 Guineas form and that is always the best form.
“He deserves to be the clear favourite, but we would be very happy to run a big race against him.”
The Godolphin operation, successful in the race with Moon Ballad in 2002, will be represented by Young Pretender and McCartney.
Both will be having their first races for the boys in blue since being switched from Gosden and Mark Johnston respectively.
Young Pretender will be partnered by Frankie Dettori, while Kerrin McEvoy will take the reins on Champagne Stakes winner McCartney, who has reportedly failed to shine on the gallops.
“Frankie rode Young Pretender in his work in the morning. He was happy with him and he worked well so he chose him,” explained trainer Saeed bin Suroor.
“He shows some speed and has a turn of foot, but I don’t think the distance will be a problem for him. We’ll see tomorrow and learn more then.
“It will be a tough race, but we are looking forward to a good performance from him.
“McCartney does not show us much in his work on a morning so I am hoping he does it better on the racetrack.”
Cashmans betting on today’s TV races at York:
1.40: 5 Bertoliver, 11/2 Green Park, 6 Special Day, 10 Fyodor, 10 Bond City, 10 River Falcon, 10 Aegean Dancer.
2.10: 4/5 Promising Lead, 4 Samira Gold, 7 Under The Rainbow, 10 Ronaldsay, 10 Flying Clarets.14 Sell Out.
2.40: 11/10 Twice Over, 4 Tartan Bearer, 6 Centennial, 6 Frozen Fire, 10 Young Pretender, 12 McCartney.
3.10: 4/5 Lang Shining, 6 Blythe Knight, 7 Fishforcompliments, 8 Annemasse, 8 New Seeker, 10 Mia's Boy, 100 Clipperdown.
