Menuisier eyeing York downpour

David Menuisier says he's hoping to see more rain at York for his charge Wonderful Tonight ahead of Thursday's Darley Yorkshire Oaks.

With Wonderful Tonight set to go head-to-head with the highly-rated Snowfall, all eyes are on the conditions on the Knavesmire. 

Wonderful Tonight, who this season has won both the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot and Goodwood's Lillie Langtry, did have the option of running across the Channel, but Menuisier has decided to go for the Yorkshire Oaks, while hoping for a bit more rain to fall before the off. 

He said: "Obviously I'm hoping there's a bit more rain, but if the ground is good we'll give it a go.

"I've been in Deauville for four or five days and I've found that the ground is pretty chopped up.

"The weather forecast is not that positive for downpours and I'm sure the ground will be better in York than it is in Deauville." 

Dods upbeat on Ebor chances

Trainer Michael Dods feels his runners are in good shape, but admits they need to turn seconds into wins as they prepare for York's Ebor meeting. 

On Friday both Dakota Gold and Que Amoro will be looking to give Dods what would be a third success in the Group 1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes. With the likes of Pendleton, Jawwaal and Brunch also set to feature at the meeting, Dods has high hopes for what his stable will be able to achieve this week. 

He said: "The horses have been running well in general but we've just had too many seconds.

"They're in good form and it's nice, York's always a big week. It's the Royal Ascot of the North. 

"I wouldn't say our team is as strong as it normally is going into it but we've got runners which is the main thing." 

Fanshawe eager to play down going for Audarya

Handler James Fanshawe says potential soft ground at Deauville won't be the be all and end all for his charge Audarya, ahead of the Prix Jean Romanet. 

The five-year-old managed to win the race at Deauville last season and will be heading back across the Channel to defend her crown.

Jockey William Buick highlighted the good to soft going as a possible cause for a below-par run at Goodwood last time out, but Fanshawe feels his charge is capable of dealing with the softer conditions on Sunday. 

He said: "She's won on soft ground so I don't think we can say it's that.

"She was well afterwards and nothing came to light. 

"It's just something we will draw a line under hopefully, she seems very well and in great form, we're really looking forward to running on Sunday." 

Richardson predicts big things for Sacred

Big things are potentially just around the corner for Sacred, according to Cheveley Park's managing director Chris Richardson. With Tom Marquand in the saddle, the impressive filly managed to claim a well-deserved victory in the Hungerford Stakes on Saturday. 

Richardson was delighted with the win and feels even better things are on the horizon for Sacred. 

He said: "I think next year is going to be her time. With the autumn approaching, the ground is probably not going to be in her favour going forward. 

"Hopefully she might be able to step up a bit further next year, but we'll enjoy the moment for now."