Tactician shooting for York silver

Michael Bell is hoping Tactician’s liking of the track will stand The Queen’s horse in good stead in the John Smith’s Silver Cup at York tomorrow.

The four-year-old put up a good performance when going down by only a half a length to Mount Athos in the Melrose Handicap over the course and distance last August.

He also had to settle for second on his reappearance behind Yorgunnablucky at Newmarket in May, but was then a late withdrawal from the Northumberland Plate two weeks ago as the ground was considered too soft.

“He’s in good form and we’re hoping the ground stays on the good side. He’s very well,” said Bell.

“It looks a competitive race but it’s a good slot for him.

“He ran very well at York in the Melrose so we know he likes the track.

“His comeback run was good so he ought to run well.”

Cracking Lass and High Office represent Richard Fahey but the North Yorkshire trainer believes this is an exceptionally good renewal of this race and is a trial for next month’s totesport Ebor in all but name.

“They are both in good order, but it’s an extremely competitive race,” said Fahey.

“York must be proud of it. It’s an Ebor trial. We’ll be doing our best. We’ll just have to see what happens.”