JOHNSTON-GRIFF'S NO IDLE HOPE

CHARLIE JOHNSTON is praying for rain, as he counts down the days until Lazy Griff goes for Betfred St Leger glory at Doncaster next month.

- by JASON HEAVEY

The Middleham Park Racing-owned colt has already given his connections a real thrill when placing in both the Derby at Epsom and Irish equivalent this summer, but Johnston has always felt the extended Classic stamina emphasis of the oldest Classic would play to his stable star's strengths.

Content to head straight to Town Moor fresh, Johnston was a keen observer of York's Great Voltigeur Stakes last week, although it is ground conditions causing most concern.