Peter Niven targets Clever Cookie at Ascot Gold Cup at Royal Ascot

Clever Cookie (blue) is being aimed at the Ascot Gold Cup

Peter Niven says there is "no plan B" for Yorkshire Cup winner Clever Cookie if he is forced to miss the Ascot Gold Cup.

Niven is keen to have a crack at the showpiece race but there would be a doubt about his participation if the ground was much quicker than good.
"There's no plan B. We're just hoping for good ground," said the North Yorkshire handler.

"If he doesn't run it's not the end of the world as there are plenty of races at the back end of the season for him.
"He could go to France, but the one that would really suit is at Ascot on Champions Day (Long Distance Cup).
"There's also a chance he could go to Ireland (Irish St Leger) and there's Doncaster, too.
"We're not saying he needs a bog, he doesn't, just as long as it's safe ground.
"The worry is it can get very quick up the straight at Ascot."