Rufford to strike for Fahey in Rockingham Stakes

Richard Fahey has enjoyed another fine season and has hopes of a big race double at York on Saturday with Rufford and Baccarat. Fahey has some smart two-year-olds in his care this year and Rufford was only denied victory in the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury by stable companion Supplicant.

He had previously made up a lot of late ground after a tardy start in a valuable race at York and has the best form in the race on Saturday. He holds Figure Of Speech on Newbury form and may have most to fear from Richard Hannon’s Outer Space.

Fahey saddles Ayr Gold Cup disappointment Baccarat in the featured Coral Sprint Trophy at 3.30. He had previously defeated Spinatrix at Ripon and is weighted to beat the top weight again here.

Louis The Pious, Hallelujah and Khubala are others with chances in a typically wide open sprint handicap. Louis The Pious fared best of those that ran at Ayr when finishing second to Highland Colori.

Hallelujah won the Listed Garrowby Stakes over course and distance last month under a fine ride from Hayley Turner. Khubala beat only two home at Ayr but is better judged on his third to Tropics here in July.

Cambridgeshire fifth Seek Again could have each-way claims in a tricky opener under Robert Havlin. The likely favourite is Godolphin’s hat-trick seeking Thouwra under Kieren Fallon.

King of the Danes and Butterfly McQueen have enjoyed successful campaigns and are still running well. Fahey’s Romantic Settings could also come into the reckoning on her best form.

Godolphin also has prospects with Excellent Result in the 2.20, a fluent winner at Ascot last time out. Luca Cumani’s Seussical was third in a Listed race in Ireland last time and takes a drop in grade whilst Sam Sharp usually runs well here.

Selections: 1.50 Seek Again, 2.20 Excellent Result, 2.55 Rufford (NAP), 3.30 Baccarat (nb), 4.10 Soviet Courage, 4.40 Kelvingrove, 5.10 Flow