Bell hopes for Sariska showers

Michael Bell is hoping for a bit of rain at York ahead of Thursday’s Darley Yorkshire Oaks, with his charge Sariska (2/1f in ante-post betting with bet365) looking for Group One success.

The four-year-old was runner-up in the same race 12 months ago, losing narrowly to Dar Re Mi, but has responded well on her return to action this year.

The filly has already been in the winner’s enclosure at the Knavesmire in 2010, with victory in the Middleton Stakes in May, and following that up with a second-placed finish in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.

Despite a strong looking eight-horse field, which will include dual Oaks winner Snow Fairy and Nassau Stakes victor Midday, Bell is upbeat about Sariska’s chances of success.

The trainer insisted: “She’s in good form and is certainly fit enough to do herself justice. She would just appreciate a little bit of help from above with the odd shower.”

“She’s obviously not right at her peak, and we’ve left a bit of room for improvement, but I wouldn’t be running her if I didn’t think she was fit enough to run well.”

Bell, whose Fascination (4/5f to win 20:00 race at Folkestone with bet365) is expected to run a big race on Wednesday, has described the Yorkshire Oaks as a “very interesting race” and a contest “very much for the purists”.