Paul Hanagan will be reunited with Tis Marvellous at the William Hill Beverley Bullet on Saturday in pursuit of back-to-back victories.
12 months ago, Clive Cox’s eight-year-old sprinted nearly four lengths clear in the coveted Listed race on the Westwood track.
Since finishing down the field in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, William Hill has installed Tis Marvellous as the 9-2 ante-post favourite.
The trainer reports that Tis Marvellous is well on the way to Beverley despite his lengthy absence.
The Lambourn handler said:
“The plan is very much to go for the Beverley Bullet on Saturday.
“He’s in really good form at home. There have been no holds-up since Ascot – we’ve just been saving him for the right races.
“We now know his requirements and realise that he’s at his best over a stiff five furlongs.
“Obviously last year’s performance was exceptional and we were very proud of him that he managed to break the course record – he clearly has a likeness for the course.
“Paul Hanagan gave him a super ride last year and it’s great that we’ve been able to get him riding for us again.
“Because of his rating, he is not the easiest to place these days, but this is certainly the right race for him.
“He will go to Beverley a fresh and well horse. The fact he will be so fresh is not a negative.”
Tis Marvellous One Of 22 Confirmations For Big Race
As part of the William Hill Beverley Bullet, Tis Marvellous will be one of 22 confirmations, and Judicial will also be included in the shake-up.
Ainsdale, the 104-rated horse from Julie Camacho’s stable, may join Julie Camacho’s popular 10-year-old winner in the line-up.
At Ascot, Manaccan beat Judicial by three-quarters of a length in the Shergar Cup Dash, and he is also prominent in William Hill’s betting.
Robert Cowell could be double-handed with Arecibo and the Middleham Park-owned Clarendon House, who won so well over course and distance in June.
As well as Tees Spirit (Adrian Nicholls), Alligator Alley (David O’Meara), and Alia Choice (Kevin Ryan), Mick Appleby’s Danzeno, who last won at Beverley in September 2021, is in contention.
William Hill Silver Cup also takes place over a mile and a quarter in Beverley’s biggest fixture of the season.
This year’s renewal is worth £30,000 in prize money and was won by Roger Charlton’s Barn Owl last year.
The 90s icon Pat Sharp will provide the post-race entertainment, a renowned DJ for Greatest Hits Radio and former host of the popular kids’ game show Fun House.
