ON A FANTASTIC morning at the Knavesmire we have another highly emotional day ahead with Stradivarius and Frankie Dettori heading the cast in the Lonsdale Cup. I cannot see this wonderful horse being beaten and just like yesterday with Enable a big crowd at York Racecourse will show their appreciation and respect.
Away from the emotional highs to culinary highs and a big shout out to the team in the Ebor Restaurant for their wonderful buffet experience. The presentation and service was outstanding and I loved all the food, with a special mention for the Yorkshire Tea Smoked Salmon and Ged Bell's award-winning pork.
1.55 – York 1m4f Handicap
Jazeel trained by the excellent Jedd O’Keeffe, whose strike rate is 40%, is stepping up his charge two furlongs in trip. This is only his second career start at this trip and he was closing all the time at Goodwood last time out when second in the Unibet Handicap, suggesting he will appreciate the extra distance.
This genuine sort has finished in the first two on four of his five starts and Unibet Ambassador Jamie Spencer takes the ride.
Unibet each way 13/2
Tamleek ,who was fourth in the Chester Vase two years ago, showed there was more than a glimmer that all was not lost at Doncaster last time (dropped 6lbs) and given that was his first run for a while (and only second for two years, since he left Godolphin) he might improve. He will definitely appreciate the step up in trip, and the handicapper has given him a real chance. Cheekpieces back on too.
Unibet each way 25/1
3.00 – York Gimcrack Stakes Group 2 6f
Threat trained by Unibet Ambassador Richard Hannon will be tough to beat and his trainer is certainly confidant.
Threat might have come second to Golden Horde at Goodwood in a Group 2 when favourite, however these two were well clear of the third, whilst Threat was runner-up at Royal Ascot behind favourite Arizona, having won on debut.
Threat is very exciting and seen as a Guineas prospect.
3.35 – York Nunthorpe Group 1 5f
Mabs Cross was narrowly beaten in this last year by Alpha Delphini, ahead of winning the Abbaye. This year this has the look of a race where the pace could conceivably collapse and Mabs Cross can be the one to take advantage. She has pace all around her to chase (drawn stall 5) and can gain compensation for last year.
Unibet win 4/1
4.50 – York Handicap 1m
Edaraat (nap) is two from two since being switched to handicaps and his wins at Kempton (still won, despite swerving badly left) and Redcar have suggested that there is plenty more improvement to come. This looks competitive, yet a three timer looks on the cards.
Boston George for inform Keith Dalgleish has more improvement in him and has an each way chance here. He looks sure to get a strong pace to chase (has been too keen more than once), is well drawn here in stall 2 and is another that will be suited by stepping back to a mile now.
