John Burke

Morning all, The rain did arrive at York on Tuesday evening. There was just enough to change the going to good, good to firm in… Read More »York Ebor Festival – Day 2

Morning all,

The heavy thunderstorms and rain seemed to have bypassed York. They had 2mm on Monday evening but nothing more by mid-afternoon on Tuesday. Even if there has been rain on Tuesday evening, I don’t think it will be enough to change the going description from good to firm.

Day 1’s seven race card sees a nice mix of Group races and big field handicaps. The ITV cameras are broadcasting the first five races live as they are throughout the week.

Inside today’s main piece you’ll find preview of the three Group races including the feature race the Group 1 Juddmonte International (3:35). Plus, there’s a York Placepot attempt.

Read More »York Ebor Festival – Day 1

Morning all,

The final declarations for day one of the Ebor Festival came out yesterday. Four day’s fiendishly competitive racing to look forward to. What’s not to like? I’m excited and hopefully you are to.

The Ebor Festival is last of the big summer Festival’s and without doubt the best in terms of quality after Royal Ascot. I’m biased of course. Given it’s one of my local tracks and I plan to be there on Friday.

With the heatwave fading away on Monday so comes the rain. How much though? Hit-and-miss thunderstorms are hard to predict and that’s what being forecast for Monday & Tuesday. The forecasters can’t agree either. One I use is predicting as much as much 13mm on Monday and Tuesday. Others much less.

The going at York was being described on Monday morning as good to firm, good in places. Depending on which forecast you go with, and I’m inclined to go with those that expect York to miss most of the heavy stuff there shouldn’t be too much change in the present going on Wednesday. Although farmers and gardeners around the country are in desperate need of the wet stuff, I’m hoping the first couple of days are run on the forecast going.

Inside today’s main piece you can read my thoughts on the festival and how I will be approaching it. Plus, there’s a few, hopefully profitable stats.

Read More »York Ebor Festival Preview

Morning all,

I wasn’t going to do a Monday column this week. However, there’s some decent action at Dundalk this afternoon and I have done more work on my York Ebor Festival Preview than expected. So rather than overwhelm you with too many thoughts I have split it into two columns.

Inside today’s main piece you read my thoughts on last weekend’s action. Plus, I preview a couple of competitive looking handicaps at Dundalk.

Read More »Weekend Review and Dundalk Thoughts