Suitably inspired by another fine effort from Danzeno at the weekend, Mick Appleby could fire up to three bullets at Beverley on Friday evening.
The Newark-based handler was proud, but slightly frustrated, in defeat at Newcastle on Saturday as stable star Danzeno finished third in his defence of the Chipchase Stakes.
A first attempt in Group One company is now on the four-year-old’s agenda in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on July 11.
Appleby told Beverley Racecourse: “He was a bit unlucky at Newcastle – he missed the break and also clipped heels – but we were well happy with him again, even though he didn’t win.
“One day he’ll win a big one – I’ve said all along he’s a Group One horse.
“He’s come out of Newcastle in good form and he’ll now go for the July Cup.
“That will be hot enough, but he deserves to be running in them sort of races.”
Before Danzeno’s big day, Appleby will look to build stable momentum at Beverley on Friday – the first leg of the ‘Big Racing Weekender’ on the Westwood.
The Danethorpe trainer is likely to run Old Fashion in the Beverley Middle Distance Series Handicap (8.15), while Secret Lightning could take her chance in the Swan Industrial Drives Handicap (7.45).
Appleby said: “Old Fashion likes fast ground and is due a change of luck.
“She’s been running really well and we quite like her.
“Secret Lightning did well at Nottingham last time, when she finished fifth, and has also been in good form this year, but we’d ideally like to see a bit of rain around for her.”
Possible turf debutante Ms Eboracum would also be an interesting contender from Hilltop Equestrian Centre if she is given the go-ahead in the Ferguson Fawsitt Arms Handicap (8.45).
Appleby said: “Ms Eboracum has been knocking on the door and has one or two nice bits of form.
“She shouldn’t have any problems back over five furlongs, but she’s another one who is ground dependent.”
The official going at Beverley is good to firm, with watering taking place ahead of East Yorkshire’s most popular racing weekend of the year.
Racing on Friday is provisionally due to begin at 6.15pm, with the feature race, the £10,000 Aunt Bessie’s Handicap, due off at 7.15pm.
