Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I look back at the day one highlights. Plus, there’s a look at today’s Group 2 Lowther Stakes (1:50).
Paddington gets derailed
I fancied Mostahdaf to beat Paddington in the International Stakes. However, I didn’t think he would make all in doing so. Mind you few people did.
Frankie Dettori had given favourite Gregory a poor ride in the previous race, but he got the fractions spot on here. He set a proper gallop out in front with Paddington chasing. Paddington could never get to grips with the leader and ultimately lost second to Nashwa close to home.
Maybe it was a case of a race too many for Paddington and/or he didn’t really enjoy the fast ground. Horses are not machines after all.
The winner is a very good horse, and they key to him is to keep him fresh, as he’s now 5 from 5 off a 50+ day layoff.
Paul calls time
Former Champion Jockey Paul Hanagan announced his retirement from the saddle at York on Wednesday afternoon.
His final ride will be for his former boss Richard Fahey on Wootton’Sun on Friday. Paul hasn’t been the same rider since a bad accident a couple of years ago. However, he’s one of the nicest guys in the sport and I wish him all the best with the future.
Micro system nails another two winners
I thought after last year’s Ebor Festival. Why bother spending hours studying the form when I can just sit back and use my York Ebor Festival micro system. After the first day I’m thinking on the same lines. The system produced two winners and ½ length third from just six selections.
Happy days and after deserting one of my recent eyecatchers Designer due to her draw in the fillies 5f handicap those winners saved the day ounting wise.
There are four qualifiers from the system running on Thursday. And if you want to join the fun over the final three days of York you can get them here for just £7.99.
The ground was quick at York on Wednesday. There could be some light rain at the track tonight so Clerk of the Course William Derby will have a tough decision to make about possible watering.
York Ebor Festival – Day 2
I love having a good crack at the York handicaps. There are big fields and there’s plenty of value to be had. There are three big field handicaps this afternoon, two with 20 runners and the third with 19 runners.
Unlike Wednesday we might, fingers crossed even have a double figure field for the feature race the Group 1 Yorkshire Cup (3:35).
It’s a good field. We have the first two home in the Irish Oaks in Savethelastdance & Bluestocking and recent Group 1 Nassau Stakes winner Al Husn. We also Stay Alert, Free Wind, Rosscraberry and Savethelastdance’s stablemate Warm Heart who didn’t like soft ground in the Irish Oaks last time. If all ten declared fillies & mares do line-up we’re set for a cracker of a renewal.
A good sized field in the Yorkshire Oaks means I have decided to head to York to watch the racing in person on Thursday rather than go on Friday.
1:50 – Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) – 6f
Nothing original from me here. I don’t think this is the strongest renewal of the race and the bookies have got the ante post betting spot on.
Relief Rally so unlucky when only beaten a nose in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. The filly went one place better when winning Newbury’s Super Sprint last time. She steps up to 6f for the first time but should be suited by the new distance and the likely favourite will take the beating.
Flora Of Bermuda looks held by Relief Rally on their running at Royal Ascot. However, the Andrew Balding filly has since improved to win at Goodwood (soft) 22 days ago. It will be different ground to last time but she’s well worth her place in Group company and like Relief Rally she should stay 6f.
Aidan O’Brien saddled Fairyland to win this in 2018 and he looks to have a good chance with the twice raced Cherry Blossom. The daughter of No Nay Never built on an encouraging racecourse debut when winning a Curragh maiden 12 days ago. She’s a speedy filly and a smart one in the making and It’s interesting that Aidan brings the filly over for the race.
York Verdict:
I have been sweet on Relief Rally for the Lowther since her win in Newbury’s Super Sprint. Cherry Blossom has slightly weakened my confidence, but I won’t be deserting the William Haggas trained filly.
The Yorkshire Oaks looks a cracker. I wonder whether Savethelastdance will take her place in the line-up if the ground is as quick as it was on day 1. Although Al Husn must prove her stamina for 1m 4f she does look overpriced to me. If there is to be a surprise winner of the race it could be Novakai who improved for the step up to 1m 4f when winning last time.
Good luck with your Thursday bets.
John