Fahey mob-handed in Cup

Richard Fahey goes in search of a second victory in tomorrow’s 48th John Smith’s Cup at York with five of the 20 runners.

The Malton trainer, who landed the prestigious handicap with Vintage Premium in 2002, saddles Charlie Tokyo, Fortunate Isle, Flying Clarets, Smart Instinct and Avoriaz.

“We’re happy with them all, they are in good order so we’ll see what happens,” said Fahey.

“I was trying to get seven in it but two of them (Peruvian Prince and Benandonner) did not make the cut.

“We won it a few years ago and have been placed in it as well. It’s a decent race to have a shot at.”

Arguably the most interesting of the quintet is Avoriaz. He joined the Fahey string about six weeks ago and won at Ayr last month.

The four-year-old had previously been with Rod Collet in France and Luca Cumani at Newmarket.

“We just don’t know whether he’ll cope with the ground. He had a bit of form in France and we are still learning about him,” said Fahey.

Of the others, Fahey commented: “Charlie Tokyo is a good, hardy handicapper but Sir Michael Stoute’s (Greek Well) and Aidan O’Brien’s (Hitchcock) are probably better than that.

“Fortunate Isle is in good form, but is drawn wider than I would have liked. He’ll love the ground and is in good nick.

“Flying Clarets loves York, but she was a bit disappointing at Epsom. She’s had a break since then but may be weighted up to her best. We know she likes the track and is well drawn.

“Smart Instinct is a very talented horse and one we’ve liked a lot. He was very disappointing behind Tobosa at Haydock. He was a little bit quiet when he came back so we gave him a break and this was the target. He’s a decent horse.

“He could still be improving. The others are handicappers and everybody knows about them but he could be a nice horse.”

Fahey admitted that the reduction in distance from an extended mile and a quarter to nine furlongs because of damage caused by the recent floods will not be a disadvantage to his team.

“The drop in trip hasn’t bothered me as much as it has a few of the others. Mine are not mile and a half horses coming back in trip they are a mile to a mile and a quarter horses,” he added.

“I’m happy enough with that. If it had gone up to a mile and a half I’d have been worried.”