Respect needs Newmarket rain

Richard Fahey is praying for rain ahead of Utmost Respect’s bid for the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on Friday.

The Malton handler is keen to run his sprinter, who impressed in landing a Group Three event at Newcastle last time, but the ground will dictate his actions.

The Danetime gelding must have soft ground to be seen at his best and Fahey hopes the first two days of the July Festival are wet.

“He was impressive when he won the Chipchase but it didn’t actually go to plan on the day, he ended up down the middle of the track which was not where we wanted to be with him,” said Fahey.

“We really wanted to drop in and take a lead but to be fair he did it well in the end. The ground is vital to him, especially in a Group One which is a big step up.

“The more rain they get the better because he is in great order.

“We are hoping we get the forecast rain, it is very difficult for the clerk of the course as there are a lot of heavy showers forecast but you can miss them by five miles,” he told At The Races.