Logician takes up Cumberland Lodge mantle once more

Group Three contest saved to York following abandonment of Ascot last weekend.

Logician has just the three rivals as he bids to extend his 100 per cent to seven in the rescheduled Betsafe Cumberland Lodge Stakes at York on Friday.

Last year’s St Leger hero made a belated return to action back at Doncaster last month with a facile success over Mythical Magic, in what turned it to be a match.

It may have been little more than a piece of work, but it did show he was back in business after recovering from a life-threatening illness during the winter.

Martin Harley takes over from Martin Harley on Logician at York
Martin Harley takes over from Martin Harley on Logician at York (David Davies/PA)

The John Gosden-trained four-year-old has more to do in this Group Three over a mile and a half, although he would have faced a stiffer task had Ascot not been abandoned due to waterlogging last weekend.

Martin Harley rides the grey for the first time as his regular partner Frankie Dettori is not in action until Saturday following his trip to France to ride Enable in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Euchen Glen has come back as good as ever after being sidelined through injury for nearly two years.

Winner of the John Smith’s Cup at York in 2018 before his enforced absence, the seven-year-old lifted the Old Borough Cup at Haydock last month and was a creditable fourth to Addeybb in the Doonside Cup at Ayr after setting the pace.

“He’s doing fine. It’s a big ask to beat Mr Gosden’s horse, but he’s in good form so we’re giving it a go,” said Goldie.

“We’ll wait and see if Ascot could have been better than York or not and make a judgement after it.

“He should be a player.”

Oliver Cole reports Highland Chief to be in fine form
Oliver Cole reports Highland Chief to be in fine form (John Walton/PA)

Connections of Highland Chief expect the Royal Ascot winner to give Logician a run for his money.

The son of Gleneagles ran a fine race over this course and distance in the Dante Stakes in August when second to Pyledriver.

He been has highly-tried this season, running in the Investec Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris.

“Highland Chief is in great form. I think he’ll love the ground. It will be better for him up there,” said Oliver Cole, who trains the colt with his father, Paul.

“I think he’ll run a very big race.

“Obviously we’ve got to take on John Gosden’s horse, who is very good, but hopefully he’ll give him a race.”

David Simcock’s eight-year-old stalwart Desert Encounter completes the quartet.

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