Cecil issues Twice warning

May 14 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

HENRY CECIL will check the state of the going at York before committing Vodafone Derby favourite Twice Over to run in tomorrow’s totesport Dante Stakes.

The 1m2f York Group Two contest is one of the most informative trials as regards the Epsom Classic having been won by Derby heroes North Light, Motivator and Authorized in recent seasons.

And Twice Over is among the six entrants for the race tomorrow and victory for the Craven Stakes winner would see the 4-1 best price on offer with Ladbrokes tumble.

But with the hot weather drying the ground all the time on the Knavesmire Cecil will commit the Observatory colt to run if it becomes too firm.

York’s clerk of the course William Derby is trying to provide safe ground and he said: “We put 5mm of water on the track yesterday and the going read 8.6 on the stick, however, it has firmed up slightly to 9.3.

“We are going into the meeting on good to firm ground and we are really pleased with how it looks – we couldn’t be happier.

“Obviously we will look at it this time tomorrow and if we feel the need to water on Wednesday night, we will if we feel it merits it. It’s fresh ground and the first meeting of the season.”