Declan Carroll was narrowly denied a first Royal Ascot winner last Thursday but seeks a degree of solace with two “live chances” at Beverley on Tuesday.
The Malton-based handler was left with mixed emotions at the Royal meeting when talented two-year-old Santry could not quite claw back Sioux Nation in the Norfolk Stakes.
But Carroll is keen to get back to winning ways and now heads to Beverley with stable stalwarts Mysterial and Save The Bees.
The former won over 10 furlongs at the picturesque East Yorkshire circuit last June and carries top weight in the Racing UK-sponsored handicap over a mile and a half (3.00).
Nine-year-old Save The Bees will be having his 90th career start – 11 of which have ended in victory – in the feature race of the day, the £10,000 Skidby Handicap over a mile and a quarter (3.30).
Carroll said: “These two horses have been with me for a while now and I think a lot of them.
“Mysterial will like the ground and potentially has a nice draw. He might also find this a little bit easier than on recent runs.
“He also has winning form at Beverley – and that’s never a bad thing.
“Save The Bees has been running really well this year. He’s a grand old boy that’s getting older, but, if anything, he seems to be improving.
“He comes good at this time of year and always wears his heart on his sleeve.
“He’s on a nice mark and will also like the ground – he just needs that bit of luck. It’s a nice prize to win so hopefully he will go well.
“Both horses go to Beverley with live chances.”
Carroll has given Santry a clean bill of health after his brave effort in defeat in the Norfolk Stakes.
The young son of Harbour Watch has solely been campaigned over five furlongs, but his trainer cannot wait to step him up in trip.
Carroll, who used to train near Beverley at Sledmere House, added: “Santry is in fantastic form and came out of the race as sound as a pound.
“Ascot was bittersweet, really. To go so close and not win was disappointing, but I’m so proud of the horse.
“We’ll probably go to York now for the Gimcrack. I said about possibly running him in the Nunthorpe on the day, but he’s not just a five-furlong horse and I see him as a miler next year.
“There’s also the Middle Park at Newmarket to think about later in the season so there’s a lot to look forward to.
“There’s been good money turned down for him, but the owners aren’t too keen to sell as they think the world of this horse – just like I do.”
Beverley’s eight-race card on Tuesday starts at 2pm, with the official going described as good to firm – with watering taking place to maintain ground conditions.