Barolo bids for Knavesmire prize

Marco Botti is expecting a good run from Re Barolo in Saturday's 50th John Smith's Cup at York.The six-year-old has finished behind the reopposing Kingdom Of Fife and Moonquake on his last two starts but his trainer is still hopeful."It's a hot handicap and is not going to be an easy race, but he has been consistent this year. He ran a very good race at Ascot when he finished fourth last time. He's got a good draw and I hope the rain stays away because he wants good ground," said the Newmarket-based handler.In an effort to aid the six-year-old's chances, Botti has booked smart 5lb claimer Louis-Philippe Beuzelin for the ride."He's ridden for us a few times. I think if he's not the best one, he's certainly one of the best apprentices," the Italian-born trainer went on. "He's very strong and an intelligent jockey. We are claiming 5lb off which should be a help."Richard Fahey is going for a hat-trick in this historic race after wins by Charlie Tokyo (2007) and Flying Clarets (2008). The Malton-based trainer has three runners - Albaqaa, Unbreak My Heart and Deep Winter - in prime condition for what he describes as a "tough race"."I couldn't be happier with all three, they are in great form. I was a wee bit disappointed with the draw (18) for Albaqaa. I'm afraid we can't do anything about that, but I'd have loved to have been drawn a lot lower," Fahey said."He is a pacey horse that travels well and hopefully he will get himself into a nice position that he can work from. To be fair to him he was second at York the other day from slot 20 which we thought would be that, but he came from last place and ran a blinder. That would have just put him right for this."As for Unbreak My Heart, a drop of rain would help him. There is rain forecast but whether it will come in time I don't know. The ground shouldn't be fast, so it should be OK. It was quick enough ground for him in the Zetland and he wouldn't let himself down, but he's in good order."Deep Winter's had a bit a bit of a break. She went to Germany in April and was placed in a Listed race. She had a run on very fast ground this year which wouldn't have suited her. She likes decent ground and I've probably never had her better, so we'll see."