Fire possible York starter

Richard Fahey's multiple winner Firebet could take a big step up in grade for the Group Two Sky Bet York Stakes on Saturday.The three-year-old is unbeaten in three starts since joining the Malton handler, most recently running out an impressive winner of a competitive handicap at Newmarket. Fahey is now keen to give his charge a sterner test with a trip to the Knavesmire or a contest across the channel under consideration."Firebet is in at York as well as a race in France on Sunday, the Prix Eugene Adam, so I'll have a look at both races and then make a decision," said the trainer."Wherever he goes, we will find out this week if he is a Group Two horse. We don't know how good he is, but what I do know is that he is getting better and he is in great order."Another Yorkshire-based trainer considering the lucrative 10-furlong York contest is Tom Tate. The Tadcaster handler could give former South African star Kings Gambit his first outing since arriving from Dubai. Tate said: "We gave Kings Gambit an entry at York but I don't know yet whether he runs, I'll talk to the owners and then a decision will be made. He is a very interesting horse and we will know more about that after he has a race. He has pleased me since we got him and he looks a useful animal."Godolphin inmate Kirklees is another set to step up in class having destroyed his rivals in Listed company at Sandown last time.Trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who landed the York contest with Stage Gift in 2007, said: "Kirklees won well last time and came out of the race very well. This is a better race but I am very happy with him and he is in good form. Good ground would be ideal for him. Trincot needs softer and is another possibility."Peter Chapple-Hyam's Dante Stakes fourth Monitor Closely is set to return to York having finished a game third in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot on his latest outing.Chapple-Hyam said: "The plan is for Monitor Closely to run at York. I'm sure it will be a hot race, but he deserves to win a nice prize. He has done nothing but improve and always seems to give a good account of himself. York suits him as he showed when only beaten two lengths in the Dante."