Dewhurst Up Next For McCartney

Mark Johnston has confirmed impressive Champagne Stakes winner McCartney on course for Saturday's Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed, the son of In The Wings was landing a hat-trick in Doncaster's seven-furlong event last month after scoring over a mile at Salisbury and Hamilton back in August.

Johnston said: 'McCartney is very well and ready to go ? the Darley Dewhurst Stakes is the plan.

'He is in great shape. I don't see any reason why the Dewhurst shouldn't suit him. He has shown a lot of speed ? hence the decision to stay at seven furlongs,' he told www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk.

'The horse should handle any ground but you always prefer to see good fast ground.'

Johnston was last successful in the Dewhurst when Shamardal landed odds of 9-2 in 2004.

(C) PA Sport