By Daithi Harvey
Twenty one juveniles have been left in the valuable G2 Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack S. at York on Saturday including two colts who have already proven victorious at group 2 level. The Mark Johnston trained Cardsharp (GB) (Lonhro {Aus}), winner of the G2 Arqana July S. at Newmarket and Brian Meehan's Barraquero (GB) (Zebedee {Ire}), who won the G2 Qatar Richmond S. at Goodwood are both in line to run. Confirming their decision to target York, Charlie Johnston, son and assistant to Mark said, “Cardsharp was under strong consideration for the Group One Prix Morny last weekend but we have decided to go to York instead.” Cardsharp was third last time to Barraquero in the Goodwood race and the runner up that day Nebo (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) could also take his chance for trainer Charlie Hills who won the race with Muhaarar (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) in 2014. Yorkshire trainer Kevin Ryan has won the race three times and he has left two in the race. Stormbringer (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) could represent previous winning owner Charles Wentworth who was successful with Caspar Netscher (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) in 2011 while Ryan's Savalas (Ire) (Zebedee {GB}) is also a possible contender. This £100,000 Goffs UK Breeze Up buy and last time out Thirsk maiden winner is owned by Angie Bailey who is also a previous winning owner of the Gimcrack when her Astaire (Ire) (Intense Focus {Ire}) was successful in 2013.
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