Northern news

I am working at York on Friday for Racing TV and there is a bumper six race card with 95 runners declared. The feature event is the Listed Lyric Stakes over ten furlongs and it will be disappointing if the Top 40 entry (page 20) in AOTF doesn't go close. Conditions ought to be in her favour and she will hopefully take the near £40,000 prize in her stride before stepping up the ladder later in the season. 

The opening seven furlongs handicap (5.30) is competitive to say the least with 18 runners declared. However, it looks an ideal opportunity for Leadenhall who has frustrated his followers on his latest two starts. Tim Easterby's well bred four year old will appreciate the quick ground and is favourably berthed in stall four. The final piece of the jigsaw is the fact the former Ralph Beckett trained gelding is reunited with David Allan. He warrants each-way support. 

Those subscribers to the Royal Ascot Update will be aware that two unraced juveniles trained by Richard Fahey were highlighted. The first of those, Uncle Don, won impressively on his second start at Beverley from a wide draw. The other (see page 6 of the Update) has yet to race but reportedly did a very good piece of work recently with stablemate Strong Warrior who scored by three lengths on his debut at Ayr on Monday. Don't miss him on his racecourse bow in the coming weeks.

Talking of two year olds, The Striking Viking who won easily on his debut at York before finishing a close second in the Group 2 Railway Stakes at the Curragh has left Kevin Ryan. The Inns of Court colt has been purchasely privately by Wathnan Racing and has joined Tom Clover, who has Rogue Lightning for the same patrons. Entered in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York (23rd August), it will be interesting to see if he is aimed at the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood (1st August) next week.