TRAINER Dave Evans is hoping for a bold run from in-form Gracious John in the coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes at York on Saturday.

The two-year-old son of Baltic King will be seeking a third successive victory when he contests the six-furlong Listed contest, that has seen its prize money increase to £50,000.

Gracious John is returning to the Knavesmire, scene of his maiden triumph just over a month ago in a race where he beat the subsequent big Newmarket sales race winner, Poets Prize.

Evans admits his charge had been stretched stamina-wise on his first two career starts – both over seven and a half furlongs at Ffos Las.

But the decision to revert to out and out sprint trips has worked the oracle with Gracious John striking over five and a half furlongs at York before following up with success at Haydock.

That latter victory in a five-furlong nursery was particularly impressive as he came away to score in style.

Evans said: “I ran him over probably the wrong trip the first and the second time, he went very keen and wide. So we dropped him back and he did it well at York – and he did it exceptionally well last time.

“It surprised me, really. He won by three lengths, so there’s a little bit left in the tank. He couldn’t pull him up after that race.

“I haven’t done a lot with him since he ran (at Haydock) but he seems in good order still.

“He should be alright over six (furlongs) and he won on soft ground last time, so the ground should be fine as well. It will probably suit him better than most of the others.

“It’s probably a nice race to go for. I am looking forward to it…it would be nice if he ran to form on Saturday.”

Gracious John is rated 98, so he will need to progress again in terms of official figures to trouble possible contender Tasleet.

Trainer William Haggas’ charge has a mark of 109, having won the DBS Premier Yearling Stakes at York and then finished second, beaten a nose, in a Group 3 at Newmarket.

The two-day October meeting, the richest finale York has staged to a season with over £415,000 prize money on offer, gets underway this Friday, October 9.