TRAINER Laura Mongan believes that the Group 2 Betway Yorkshire Cup at York on Friday 19 May is “the perfect starting point” for 2016 St Leger winner Harbour Law.

The Lawman colt really put Epsom-based Mongan on the map with his superb Classic success last September. Owner Mrs Jackie Cornwell has kept the horse in training as a four-year-old and his initial challenge is scheduled to be the mile and three-quarter contest that offers record prize money of £165,000.

Harbour Law features among a bumper 50-strong entry – up from the 28 at the same stage twelve months ago. It is a case of quality as well as quantity, with the both the 2016 & 2015  Gold Cup at Royal Ascot winners, Trip To Paris and Order of St George, both featuring, amongst some seven stayers to have already scored at the highest level.

Mongan has already given Harbour Law “a couple of pieces” of fast work this spring and is looking forward to her stable star returning to action in the Betway Yorkshire Cup.

She said: “We think that’s the perfect starting point for him – with the view, all being well, to go onto the Gold Cup. They’d be our main early targets. We think we’ve got a horse good enough.

“I think, the further the better with him. The mile and six furlongs at York will suit him but the best of him will show over longer trips.”

Harbour Law, not seen out since scoring in the Classic at Doncaster last September, enjoyed a winter break at his owner’s property in Dorset.

Mongan added: “He has been back with us since mid-January. We’re very lucky to have him back. He looks great and holidayed well. We couldn’t be happier with him.

“He always was a beautiful stamp of a horse and he looks better, stronger – great in himself. So we’re very excited, if not a little nervous! (But) it’s a lovely pressure to have.

“All he did last season was mature and improve, looks-wise and mentally. I’m pretty sure that he has carried on doing that. He is doing everything right at home – that’s all I can ask for.”

Evergreen Clever Cookie – now nine – could bid to give trainer Peter Niven back-to-back victories in the race. The course specialist has three other Knavesmire triumphs to his name.

York’s season-opening Dante Festival runs from Wednesday 17 May to Friday 19 May  inclusive.

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