There have been mixed results for punters at the Ebor meeting with two or three punts going astray. I cannot say that I have any strong opinion in the big handicap but Weekender comes from the top yard, has a top jockey and has top weight because he is the best horse in the race. I might have a small bet just for an interest. I would have been interested in Saunter but I think he wants some ease in the ground (last three wins on Good or softer) and he won’t be getting any today.
If Lord Glitters drifts out to 2/1 or more in the opener, I may get involved as he is the form pick if his last run is taken on merit. Notable that Seniority skipped the handicap earlier in the meeting to run in this and the Haggas yard is bang in form.
At the prices, I would rather be on Suedois in the City of York Stakes. We will know whether the Sussex form is questionable after Lord Glitters’ run in the opener and Beat The Bank runs in the Goodwood 2:05 but I would not be touching Expert Eye at even money.
The two that I was interested in for the 4:50 are both drawn out in the trees and I look to avoid large fields at York these days as you have no idea what they are going to do when they come into the straight, so watch for the Exhort/Alfarris forecast.
Over at Goodwood in the Prestige Stakes, I do like the look of ANTONIA DE VEGA although she will have to be good to step up to this level on the back of what looked a good maiden win. The market pretty much tells the story—the form horse is surely Look Around, who beat Ajrar last time in a Listed race, but The Queen’s Magnetic Charm also made all last time, so could they cut each other’s throats in front? I would not rule out Accordance, a course and distance winner from the record-breaking Johnston yard, who could sit behind the front two and look to pick them off. Looks like a race for the notebook with a view to the big juvenile fillies’ races.
Whilst I collected on Flaming Spear when he finished fifth in the Hunt Cup, I got my fingers burnt last time, so I am going to give him a miss today as he is only five pounds better off with the winner and I do not like hold up horses in big fields at Goodwood.
