York Day 1

Good morning all,

Right here we go then, York kicks off it's week with a tremendous card,  chock full of quality and tricky handicaps. Which is why, of course, I'm off to Worcester to watch some twig-hopping 😉

I will put a couple of syndicates up later. Keep getting 5 out 6 on them which is most annoying, but hopefully we'll hit a decent one soon.

As for York, I've done a run-though of the card, which I'll do every day this week. Sadly, the one I wanted in the closing nursery has been spotted by all, but I'll still be having a bet. 

1.55 York

No shortage of pace on here, and most of it middle to high. The lightning quick El Astronaute, Watchable, Final Venture, and Copper Knight all should help set a scorching pace. Surely it’s set up for something to come from off it?

Culturati was disappointing here at York on comeback effort but money came for him, and he had an excuse as he was found to be slightly lame afterwards. Still has the potential to be better than a handicapper and this trip won’t be an issue, especially with the speed on. Drawn perfectly in 19 to attack the pacesetters late and could be the one to beat.

Koditime is far more risky but has some plus points – a win here to his name, a change of headgear and after a middling spell, the yard appear to have found form. Yes, there’s some poor efforts lately that need some explaining but at 20s and above, and from a decent draw, he might be worth a small saver.

2.25 York

Watan, given his connections, was no doubt wound up for his Goodwood debut but nevertheless that was an impressive one, quickening away for an easy win (in a decent time too). Pedigree says he’ll only improve for a seventh furlong and he looks the one to beat. Short enough for me, though.

If – and only if – there was significant rainfall, Pogo would be worth a second look. His form is very in-and-out but on the two occasions he’s run with some cut he’s clocked two very good speed figures and wouldn’t be far away. (Update – the rain hasn't arrived. Not yet, anyway).

3.00 York

Pace on here too, with M C Muldoon and Nelson likely to make this a decent test.

Cross Counter should be one of the main beneficiaries of a likely strong pace up front and really does look a 3yo on the up. Easy Ascot handicap winner and then took the step up to Group company at Goodwood in hs stride, easily beating Derby runner-up Dee Ex Bee.

As an aside, too early to write off Sevenna Star for the Leger either. Another that needs the rain, but gets a tongue tie now and if he can finish midfield here (probably staying-on after getting outpaced) he’d be of some interest come Doncaster.

3.45 York

Not sure what to make of this. First of all, are we going to get a true-run race or not? Without Parole led last time but that wasn’t by design, I don't believe. Latrobe has made all on one start but that was at 1-7 in a maiden.

Maybe this will be left to Benbatl to make it, and that could be a dangerous tactic for the rest. Take out his Ascot effort and he’s had a very good season, and was impressive from the front when taking a G1 at Munich last time. He’s a bit to find on the figures but not that much, and if there’s a bet in the race then I’ll try a bit e/w on him (as long as it stays quick).

Poet's Word is hard to knock on what he’s done but at 7-4, and after quite a hard race at Ascot, I can give him the swerve today.

4.15 York

Here And Now is lightly raced for a 4yo, and probably needed first run of season at Windsor but it was much better over C&D last time out. That’s the second time he’s run well here at York. Should get this run to suit and looks about ready to strike. (Update – was hoping for a bit better than 7s, so no bet for me.)

4.50 York

Evie Speed has run well on all three starts, and her Doncaster fourth is working out well (winner took a G3 at Deauville and second has won twice since). Showed tremendous early speed to defy the worst of the draw at Ripon last time and had it won at halfway. Handicapper might have let her in light off 80 and from stall 9, could form the arrowhead (along with I Am A Dreamer,who looks to have had enough for the time being) and if showing that speed again, could be away and gone. I like her chances a lot. (Update – again, sadly well found by the market. Was hoping they would miss her. Will still have an e/w bet on her as I think she's the most likely winner anyway.)

Today's selection – Evie Speed 4.50 York

Good luck with all your bets yesterday,

David.