Some of my tips went awry at York but at least I can claim Birkside who scored for the eleventh time of his career in the 3.45, and also Collection who won the last race on the card. Full marks to the canny Mike S who e-mailed me with a tip for Assertive. The curse of the high draw continued in Assertive’s race. Only US Ranger of the first 7 home came from a single figure stall so he is clearly one to take out of the race.
Tomorrow’s York card gets underway with a handicap over the minimum trip at 1.40. Green Park ran well when 2nd at Chester last week and I am tempted to go for him but I have a suspicion that he is best on soft ground. The Dandy Nicholls pair of Tournedos and Strike up the Band are both well drawn but I am not sure that York is the ideal track for either of them. Aegean Dancer would be my fancy. He hasn’t been easy to train but he won some good races last season and his last 4 wins have come in double figure fields. He acts on any ground. Old River Falcon likes York but might find the ground a bit too lively.
Sir Michael Stoute’s older horses have to be respected and his Promising Lead is the clear form pick in the 2.10. Samira Gold has been described by her trainer as “a bit delicate” but if she is fit and well she could be the danger.
I don’t think I will get too heavily involved in the Dante at 2.40. Centennial didn’t impress particularly when winning the Sandown Classic Trial but he may not have been fully wound up that day and he was progressive last season. Stoute won this with North Light in 2004, and Golan’s brother Tartan Bearer may turn out to be the real deal, but on the evidence of his win in a Leicester maiden that is guesswork. Twice Over (pictured below) is unbeaten and battled well to get the better of Raven’s Pass at Newmarket. Raven’s Pass didn’t do that form any harm in the 2,000 gns and the Henry Cecil colt has to be the form pick. Just how far he will stay is a debatable but he is out of a sister to Passage of Time.
The 3.10 is tricky. New Seeker has his ground but his runs at the end of last season were far from encouraging. The admirable Blythe Knight won the race last season but would not want the ground too firm. I would give the lightly raced Lang Shining a good chance if he handles the ground.
Docofthebay did little wrong last season. He runs in the 3.45 where his turn of foot could be decisive in this small field.
Tom Tate’s West With The Wind impressed me on both his runs last season. He should go well in the 6.55 at Newmarket, the stable are in good form and both trip and track should suit.
Glorious Gift and Without a Prayer represent my list to follow in the 8.00. I would not be sufficiently confident about either to tip them though.
Arthur’s Girl has shown bits of promise in 2 runs for Geoff Wragg. She runs in the 1.50 at Salisbury which will qualify her for a handicap mark. She is one to keep an eye on.
Be lucky!
Picture by kind permission of 2YO Racing
ahorse 