Cecil chasing Cup double

Sergeant Cecil returns to one of his happiest stomping grounds for another crack at the Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup on Friday.

Rod Millman’s popular nine-year-old won the Group Two prize 12 months ago and also came home in front over the same course and distance in the Ebor of 2005.

With two other York wins to his name, Millman is anticipating a bolder show than when he finished 12th on his reappearance.

“He’s very well and we’re obviously hoping he’ll run another good race. He’s working well and looks good in himself too,” said the Cullompton trainer.

“He’d had an interrupted preparation ahead of Newbury and I did tell everyone that at the time, but we just wanted to get him back on the track to give him that edge.

“We’d expect to see a different Cecil line up tomorrow and he will have come on a lot for his first run.”

Sergeant Cecil was a long way behind Royal And Regal last time and while Millman has great respect for that Michael Jarvis-trained rival, he is expecting a closer run thing on Friday.

“He’s had some great times at York and he doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of ageing but you can never be sure until you see them on the track,” he continued.

“Michael’s horse looks nice and he put up a great performance in the John Porter but if they don’t get any rain he might not run.

“Quicker ground wouldn’t worry us too much and although one-mile-six is short enough for our horse, he has had some great results in the race in the past.

“He’s finished first and second and if he runs a similar race this year we’ll be delighted.”