Captain on course for York

Bryan Smart reports Captain Gerrard to be in terrific shape as he prepares to step up to the highest level for the first time in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York later this month.

The son of Oasis Dream had crack sprinter Sakhee’s Secret in behind when making a winning return to action at Newmarket and he was beaten only two lengths into fourth by Marchand D’Or at Chantilly last time.

That form could hardly be stronger given the winner’s subsequent July Cup success and Smart believes his charge is peaking at the right time following a two-month break.

“Captain Gerrard did a piece of work on the grass this morning and left a vapour trail,” said the North Yorkshire handler.

“The form of his last run in France stands up well and the horses that beat him that day are six-furlong horses really.

“I’m just hoping there is a bit of juice in the ground as he won’t run in the Nunthorpe if it’s too quick.

“He is in really good order at the moment though, and I couldn’t be more pleased with him.”

Smart is hoping Spin Cycle can bounce back following his below-par effort at Goodwood and the trainer has not ruled out the possibility that he could join his stablemate on the Knavesmire later this month.

Having only gone down by a head to South Central in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, the juvenile was sent off favourite for last week’s Molecomb Stakes but could only finish fifth.

“Captain Gerrard went to Goodwood last year and ran disappointing and sometimes they just don’t handle the track,” Smart continued.

“Ted (Durcan) said he lost his action and he probably didn’t come down the hill.

“He has come out of the race fine and he is in the Nunthorpe so we will see.

“He also has the option of the Roses Stakes at York so he will go for one or the other.