Monsieur Joe is set for a tilt at another valuable sprint at York
Paul Midgley will take the highest rated horse he has ever trained to York on Saturday for the £50,000 BetBright Trophy.
Last Updated: 30/05/14 10:58am
Monsieur Joe will be looking to enhance his status as former jump jockey Midgley's flag-bearer when he lines up over five furlongs against 18 rivals off a mark of 105.
The seven-year-old joined Midgley's string of about 30 for the 2014 campaign.
He ran with credit at Dubai's World Cup Carnival in the spring before returning to base at Leavening, near Malton. Then, two weeks ago, the gelding proved he was no ordinary Joe with a thrilling victory at the Dante Festival over tomorrow's course and distance.
Monsieur Joe made a mockery of his 25/1 starting price that day as he motored to a one-length triumph in the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Handicap.
Midgley says he is "hopeful" ahead of his charge's second successive start on the Knavesmire.
Midgley said: "He has come out of his last race at York really well and is in good form. We have gone up 5lb and he will have to contend with a bit slower ground but I hope he will run well."
Monsieur Joe will carry top weight as he bids to continue his progression in the hands of Midgley, who is pleased to have such a classy performer in his yard.
He added: "I was saying the other day, now he has gone up to 105, he is the highest-rated horse we've ever had. When you get up to that stage, everything is really tough instead of being just very tough! But it is excellent to have one that you can go to nice places like York with."
Unlike some sprinters, Monsieur Joe is as relaxed as he is good. Midgley assessed him thus, "He is very talented, very laidback and very easy-going. He is genuinely nice."
The horse is another advertisement of Midgley's own ability, for since swapping the saddle for a training licence in 2003. Every year he sends out a steady supply of winners - the latest of which was Naggers who struck by no less than 10 lengths in a median auction maiden at Redcar on Monday.
"Touch wood, they are running well," he said. "They've hit the ground running...long may it continue."
York's seven-race card offers prize money of over £160,000 and includes the Listed Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup.