SEVILLE TARGETING VOLTIGEUR VICTORY

Seamie Heffernan is optimistic Seville can secure a deserved first victory of the campaign in the sportingbet.com Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday.

Having shown smart juvenile form, Aidan O'Brien's son of Galileo was sent off favourite to beat Carlton House in the Dante Stakes at York back in May, but had to make do with the runner-up spot behind the Queen's colt.

He failed to reproduce that form in the Derby at Epsom but has bounced back since, claiming second in the Irish Derby and most recently in the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp.

Seville currently heads ante-post lists for the St Leger at Doncaster next month and bids to cement his place as favourite for the season's final Classic in this recognised trial on the Knavesmire.

"We're happy enough with him and he seems to be coming out of his races fresh and well," said Heffernan.

"He's getting more mature and stronger all the time, so I'm hoping for a big run tomorrow.

"I don't think ground is any issue with him. I think you just want a bit of luck and want them turning up with a big will every day.

"The Galileo horses seem to be the ones to be with at the moment. They are tough and they are up for it every day.

"I would think if all goes well then the Leger will be his next run after the Voltigeur. This is one of the main Leger trials and I would think that is why Aidan is running him.

"I love riding big-race winners in England I hope I can have another at York."

O'Brien also saddles likely pacemaker Regent Street.

In-form trainer Roger Charlton is represented by Al Kazeem, who makes his first racecourse appearance since landing a 10-furlong Newbury handicap in May.

Charlton said: "It's a considerable step up in class for him and also a step up in distance on what looks set to be rain-softened ground.

"He hasn't run since May having had a setback after his last run and while he's in good form and ready to start back, I'm sure he'll improve on what ever he does."

Mark Johnston's Namibian won over two miles in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and found the drop in distance no problem when grinding out a determined success in the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

The Cape Cross colt officially has 8lb to find with Seville according to the handicapper but Johnston remains hopeful of a big run.

"It's not all about ratings and he's past handicapping now. He's going to have to run against these horses some time and if he hadn't met them here, he'd have met them in the Leger," said the Middleham handler.

"There are no doubts about trip with this horse. He can compete over any trip you want to throw at him.

"The ground shouldn't be a problem and he's been absolutely fine since Goodwood, so we'll see how we get on."

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