3 minute read
Richard Fahey admits Garswood has "everything in his favour" as he bids to get off the mark for the year in the Timeform Jury Stakes at Haydock Park.
The four-year-old mixed it at the highest level last season in races like the 2000 Guineas, the Jersey Stakes, the Sprint Cup and the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp, in which he was an excellent third behind Moonlight Cloud.
Garswood was favourite to make a winning return in the bet365 Mile at Sandown last month and though he was ultimately well-held in fifth, Fahey believes that run is best forgotten.
He said: "The trip (seven furlongs) is right and the ground should be beautiful for him, so we're hoping he can bounce back.
"It was a strange day's racing the day he ran at Sandown. The ground was very testing and nothing was coming from off the pace. Over the stiff mile he just followed them round and couldn't make up the ground.
"We've been delighted with him since, everything is in his favour, so fingers crossed."
With Fahey represented at four meetings on a busy day, the North Yorkshire trainer moved quickly to snap up the services of leading Irish rider Pat Smullen to ride Garswood and a couple of his other Haydock runners.
"We're racing at York, Newmarket, Haydock and Chester, so we were up against it jockey-wise," said the Malton handler.
"We weren't going to be able to get Ryan (Moore) up from Newmarket, so I got in early to get Pat Smullen booked and we're happy. Pat rode Garswood in the Jersey at Royal Ascot last year, so it won't be an issue."
German raider Amarillo clinched the Group Three prize 12 months ago and is back to defend his crown, with Richard Hughes booked for the ride.
Trainer Peter Schiergen said: "The horse is well and even though the ground will not be as fast as it was a year ago, softer ground is not a problem for him. We have a good jockey and I think we have every chance to get a place at least."
The consistent Tawhid makes his seasonal debut for the Godolphin operation.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor told www.godolphin.com: "Tawhid ran some good races last year and won nicely on his final start at Newbury.
"The ground is important and his best form has come on a softer surface, so conditions at Haydock should suit him. He is in good form and ready to go. Seven furlongs is a good distance for him and I am hopeful he can run well."
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