CUT CONCERNS FOR DAMIKA CAMP

Richard Whitaker fears Damika could miss the cut for the William Hill Great St Wilfrid Stakes at Ripon on Saturday.

The eight-year-old was a narrow winner of the lucrative handicap 12 months ago and has since dropped down the weights after a disappointing run of form.

Whitaker said: "Damika might not even get in, which is a worry. We've had our eyes on this race all year, but we need about 10 to come out, so I've probably got him too well handicapped."

He added: "He ran a blinder last year and he goes great with a bit of juice in the ground - the softer the better, really. Hopefully that will put some of the others off and we can just sneak in there.

"He's off a 6lb lower mark than last year, so we'd go there with a great chance if he got in. The horses just haven't been right the last month, but they're coming back to form again now, which is great."

Damika is also set to be reunited with last year's winning jockey Michael Stainton, who is only this week returning from a broken arm.

"It's good to have Michael back for a big ride," added the Leeds-based handler.

"He's only just returning from a broken arm and has had a rough time of things."

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