Fanning can help Cape cope

Johnston’s filly to benefit from jockey’s presence

Fresh from registering his 2,500th winner at the weekend, Joe Fanning has a full book of rides on this evening’s seven-race card at Musselburgh.

Of the jockeys still in action, only Frankie Dettori has achieved the same tally and the East Lothian venue has supplied the Irishman with 158 of his impressive career haul.

His mounts include CAPE ISLAY for Mark Johnston in the racingtv.com Handicap over a mile and four furlongs.

The filly gained her third success at Chester in June although Fanning will need to weave his magic as she has only managed to finish in front of a handful of rivals in three subsequent outings at Ascot, Windsor and back at Chester.

ASCOT WEEK has twice been beaten since scoring at Ripon, but is fancied to hit back in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap.

John Quinn’s five-year-old likes the course, having won at the Scottish circuit last August.

COUNT OTTO can strike for the second time at Epsom this summer by repeating his July success in the Terry Mills & John Akehurst Handicap.

The six furlongs at the switchback course appeared to suit the Amanda Perrett-trained sprinter, who came with a strong run to collar Little Boy Blue and register victory by half a length.

The four-year-old has run particularly well in his last two races at Goodwood and Newmarket, and can have his turn again back on familiar territory.

GAWDAWPALIN is another past winner who should relish going back to the Epsom Downs for the Stanley Wootton Handicap.

Sylvester Kirk’s charge had arguably his finest hour when landing a 10-furlong handicap on Derby day in 2016 and while he has been soundly beaten in three races this term, his love for this course can spark a revival.