Well it wasn’t the easiest of days on the tipping front at York. The opener went to a 33/1 shot and two odds on favourites were turned over.
Tartan Bearer won the Dante showing a willing attitude in the process. He should come on plenty for the run and has to be a serious Derby contender. Twice Over probably didn’t like the ground but it would be no surprise to see him revert to a mile in the future. Another that looked uncomfortable on the quick ground was Lang Shining in the Hambleton Stakes. I was pleased to see Arthur’s Girl win for Geoff Wragg at Salisbury. The trainer lost one of his best horses, Ivy Creek last weekend.
There are plenty of meetings to go at tomorrow, with again York taking centre stage. There are several with chances in the handicap at 2.10. Birkside reappears after winning over course and distance on Wednesday. He was given a good ride by David Allan on Wednesday but is apprentice ridden this time, presumably to offset the 6 lbs penalty. The claimer has won on him twice before though. This race is much tougher than the last one but Birkside seems to be going the right way and cannot be ignored. Pippa Greene is a horse I am very keen on this season. The problem could be the ground though as his form has been with some ease in the ground.
Formerly trained by Aiden O’Brien, Basalt in now with Tim Pitt and won twice on the all weather in February. He should strip fitter for his run at Chester last week and is one for a rather lengthy shortlist. Peruvian Prince is a smart handicapper and ran well here over 10 furlongs on Ebor day when beaten a head by Greek Well. He handles the ground and is not out of it although he might just need to come down a pound or two more.
Sugar Ray is a lightly raced horse that won last time out at Bath. He has been working with Tartan Bearer at home and is likely to be popular. Pevensey is a useful sort on his day. Best on good ground he is currently 1 lb higher than his highest winning mark. Like Pevensey, Furmigadelagiusta has been hurdling. He won twice on the flat last season but may not be suited by fast ground. Johnny Murtagh is an eye catching jockey booking though. Dansili Dancer won the Old Newton Cup at Haydock last season on good to firm and with his stable in form I will burden him with my each way selection..
I thought about Royal and Regal for the 2.40 but the ground may not suit. I think I will leave this race alone.
The David Nicholls pair of Buachaill Dona and Machinist both come into the 4.20 on the back of a very promising run. Barney McGrew is on my list to follow but has not shown much in his two runs so far and is best watched for the moment. Atlantic Story is potentially very well handicapped based on his all weather mark but the odd thing is he is tackling this trip for the first time. Another worth a mention is Damika who has run well on all 3 of his starts this season without winning.
Last season’s first and second, Wyatt Earp and Zomerlust line up again with the former 2 lbs better off this year. He loves fast ground and is a major player.
Full Speed has been running consistently and is my each way selection in the 4.55.
Moving to Newbury Fat Boy was only beaten a nose by Stimulation in the Free Handicap and that form looks solid. He is certainly the one to beat. Although Skadrak was a beaten favourite at Wolverhampton last month the winner has won again since so I wouldn’t rule him out.
In the 2.50 my two against the field would be Clowance and Rosa Grace. Clowance has only run twice and won a maiden over course and distance 4 weeks ago. Rosa Grace (pictured below) won a couple of small races last season and was not disgraced when upped in class.
Game Park has shown enough in 4 starts to warrant respect in the 2.30 at Newmarket, while at Hamilton my selection is Spin Cycle in the 6.20.
Mr Crystal has been running well over hurdles with wins at Perth and Kelso and he should go well back on the level in the 7.50 at Newcastle.
Macedon has plenty going for him in the 8.25. Goes well fresh, stable in form, distance winner, goes on the ground and likes a straight track.
Good luck
Photo by kind permission of British 2YO Racing
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