Wednesday 28 May 2014 11:13, UK
North Yorkshire-based Peter Niven struck gold at York’s Dante Festival when he saddled Clever Cookie to win the valuable Stanjames.com handicap on the opening day.
Both trainer and horse are back for more this Saturday when the six-year-old lines up in the Listed feature, the Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup.
Saturday’s contest is run over the same course and distance (one mile and three-quarters) as York’s summer highlight, the Betfred Ebor. Niven identified that race as a potential target, although his progressive charge’s win at the Dante Festival came over an extended ten furlongs.
Clever Cookie’s path to big Saturday races on the Flat comes via an unconventional route. He began his racing career under National Hunt rules, winning twice in ‘bumpers’ (National Hunt Flat Races) before going on to strike three times over hurdles. In March he landed the Grade 2 Premier Kelso Hurdle at Kelso, which set up a tilt at the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr.
He didn’t make the frame that time at Ayr but just 15 days later lined up in a mile and a half maiden on the Flat at Doncaster. He won that contest easily under Graham Lee and was a well-backed 7/1 chance when stepping into handicap company on the Knavesmire last time out.
Again he obliged in style, travelling supremely well throughout before going on to beat Tres Coronas by a cosy three-quarters of a length.
That success left Niven dreaming of bigger things and he is excited about getting his stable star back on the racetrack.
He said: "The plan is to run Clever Cookie on Saturday. He has come out of his last race in great nick. This is a big ask...we are stepping up in grade and trip but he is well and deserves to take his chance.
"His big aim is the Ebor. Saturday will tell us whether he stays or not. The 55th John Smith’s Cup (York on July 12) could also be an option. He gave us a great day when he won at the Dante meeting. It was a real boost.”
Clever Cookie’s opposition could include Group Three winner Cap O Rushes, Listed winner Caucus and dual Royal Ascot hero Forgotten Voice.
The seven-race card also features the £50,000 BetBright Trophy over five furlongs. Monsieur Joe, also a winner at the Betfred Dante Festival, is one of 32 entries for that contest.
