Goldie hoping for quick ground

Jim Goldie would like to see fast ground at York when Nanton bids for a deserved big-race success in Saturday's John Smith's Cup.The seven-year-old has been knocking on the door on his last two starts, finishing second in Redcar's Zetland Gold Cup before claiming fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot.Goldie said: "I would have been more delighted if his head was in front at Ascot - but the winner looked a good horse. He did well from his draw though (in stall 21) and I've been pleased with him since.""It was a good run in the Zetland Gold Cup and we do get a good pull with the winner on Saturday so that will be in his favour. He's a very versatile horse and we will take a decision on how we will ride him later in the week - Danny Tudhope will be on board again."The faster the ground, the better for him but I'm not sure we're going to get that. I think the forecast is for drier weather later in the week so we will see."Another trainer keeping an eye on the weather is Michael Jarvis, who looks to recent Newmarket scorer Alazeyab to provide him with a first victory in the race.He said: "We were thrilled with his Newmarket win, having, we thought, run a little bit below-par at Newbury on his previous start. "He has a 5lb penalty for that victory, and that gets him a place in the line-up at York. The trip and the course should suit him very well, but he would not run if the ground was to come up soft." Epsom winner Seeking The Buck will be hoping to atone for defeat at Lingfield in the £150,000 contest.He said: "Things didn't go to plan at Lingfield, but he came out of the race fine and is very well. York will suit him. I hope the ground stays quick and that he gets a good draw."