NIVEN HOPING FOR RAIN FOR EIGHT-YEAR-OLD STABLE STAR

NORTH Yorkshire-based trainer Peter Niven has reported Clever Cookie to be in “good nick” ahead of Friday’s Betway Yorkshire Cup at York.

The mile-and-six-furlong Group 2, part of the British Champions Series, has attracted six classy stayers.

Clever Cookie has already shown smart form this season, finishing second on two occasions – including in the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot two weeks ago, when he went down by a mere neck.

Niven, who trains at Clovafield Stables near Malton, is keen to bring him back to the Knavesmire where he has twice enjoyed course and distance success. But he is also keen to see some ease in the ground to guarantee Clever Cookie’s participation.

Niven said: “He is good – he seems to be progressing along nicely. But I was praying for these showers to happen.

“He is in good nick. The run at Ascot was brilliant – I thought he ran a great race. He loves it round York – he has won three times there. If he gets a strong gallop over a mile and a six, he has every chance.”

Clever Cookie is rated 113 – 5lb below the top-rated horse in the race, Second Step. The Luca Cumani-trained five-year-old already has a Group 1 prize to his name, having landed the Grosser Preis von Berlin last August.

Flying Officer is another intriguing runner in the race. Now six, he ran up a hat-trick last season, culminating with victory on British Champions Day in the Group 2 Long Distance Cup. Champion trainer John Gosden’s charge was third – half a length back from Clever Cookie – on his seasonal bow at Ascot.

Nemoralia brings American Grade 1 form into the longer of Friday’s brace of Listed races – the Longines Irish Champions Weekend Fillies’ Stakes, run over a mile.

Trainer Jeremy Noseda’s representative, rated 112, finished third at the Breeders’ Cup – and second in the Grade 1 Frizette Stakes. She is one of nine fillies set for the £45,000 contest on the Knavesmire.

Noseda said: “I am happy with Nemoralia. Her preparations have gone well. She had a racecourse gallop at Newmarket last Tuesday and I was pleased with her. She handled cut in the ground in America but I think fast ground is ideal for her.”

York’s season-opening Dante Festival continues until Friday 13 May.