Cardsharp team hoping they hold winning Gimcrack hand

Connections of Cardsharp are hoping the decision to sidestep the Prix Morny will pay dividends in Saturday's Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes at York.

The Mark Johnston-trained two-year-old will have to carry a 3lb penalty for his July Stakes victory when he lines up in the six-furlong Group Two, having finished third under the same penalty in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.

Charlie Johnston, assistant trainer to his father, said: "He was under strong consideration for the Group One Prix Morny this weekend but we have decided to go to York instead."

Nebo, from the yard of Charlie Hills, could bid to atone for near-misses in both the Superlative and Richmond Stakes, while his Goodwood conqueror Barraquero has been left in by trainer Brian Meehan.

Aidan O'Brien, who last won the race back in 2001 with subsequent 2000 Guineas hero Rock Of Gibraltar, is responsible for Declarationofpeace, Seahenge and US Navy Flag.

Invincible Army, from the yard of James Tate, is another looking to go one better than last time out after finishing second in the Molecomb Stakes.

Both Kevin Ryan and James Given could be double-handed, with the former represented by Savalas and Stormbringer, and the latter by Cool Spirit and G Eye Joe.

Others of note among the 21 contenders include De Bruyne Horse (Richard Hannon), Enjazaat (Owen Burrows), Frozen Angel (Tom Dascombe) and Headway (William Haggas).