TRAINER Jeremy Noseda has reported Sixties Groove to be “in great order” ahead of Saturday’s John Smith’s Cup at York.
The four-year-old, owned by Paul and Susan Roy, is a general 8/1 favourite for the £200,000 heritage handicap staged over an extended mile and a quarter.
Connections will be hoping the gelding can emulate the achievement of his sire, Sixties Icon, and secure a big-race triumph at York. Sixties Icon carried the Roy’s familiar lilac silks to victory in the St Leger in 2006 – the year in which the famous mile and three-quarters Classic was staged on the Knavesmire, while a new stand was constructed on Town Moor.
Sixties Groove did not scale such heights as his father as a three-year-old but still registered three victories.
His latest campaign has seen him deliver two promising runs, not least his fifth-placed effort in the Duke of Edinburgh handicap at Royal Ascot where he probably didn’t enjoy the run of the race.
Noseda said: “Sixties Groove is in great order. In the circumstances he ran very creditably at Royal Ascot and I am happy with how he has come out of Royal Ascot.
“He has done one nice piece of work since and we are looking forward to Saturday’s race. Gerald Mosse will take the ride.
“The track, trip and likely fast-ish ground all should be suitable. He goes there with a very solid chance.”
Fellow Newmarket-based trainer David Simcock is set to be double-handed in his bid to land the 58th renewal of what is the longest sponsored flat contest in the world.
Simcock plans to saddle Majeed and Dragon Mall. The former was beaten a diminishing neck by Snoano in the Wolferton (Listed) Handicap at Royal Ascot, while Dragon Mall was a further three lengths back after badly missing the break.
Simcock said: “The John Smith’s Cup is a lovely race for these older exposed horses. Both Majeed and Dragon Mall could have a good each-way chance.
“Majeed was arguably unlucky in the Wolferton. He seems in good order and York is a track that should suit him.
“Dragon Mall is mercurial. He is a talented horse who did remarkably well to be beaten just over three lengths last time at Ascot considering how he raced early on. If the real Dragon Mall turns up on the day he’d be very competitive.”
The seven–race card starts at 1.55pm with the John Smith’s Racing Handicap staged over almost a mile where Noseda could send the talented four-year-old, Abe Lincoln, who returned to action in the Royal Hunt Cup after a long lay-off. He finished in mid-division on that occasion at Royal Ascot.
Noseda said: “We are looking at possible objectives at York and Newmarket for Abe Lincoln. He is in good shape and I was satisfied with his first effort of the year.
“He should acquit himself well wherever we decide to let him take his chance.”