I haven’t got too much time today as I do have an hour exam today which had to be from 2-3pm didn’t it. Anyway I have a few fancies for York today. The Duke Of York preview is already up though the money for Hoof It could be highly significant but I still stick by the fact that Libranno has a solid chance, but he’s 8 times the price.
1:30 Infinity Tyres Stakes
I’ve been wary in backing Sir Michael Stoute horses lately as he doesn’t seem in great form after such a poor season last year but he has had some good winners, especially in the 3yo department. The feature in the Racing Post on him highlighted how important 3yo winners in May are for him as it always sums up how good a season he has. He is represented by the very smart LABARINTO here. I really liked this horse last year and i’ll be surprised if he isn’t up to pattern class some time this season. He will come on for his first run back where conditions didn’t suit at all over a mile on very soft ground. Back on a better surface and over 1m2f, he should be wound up for a big run in what doesn’t strike to me as a significantly good handicap. Gatewood has been fancied for John Gosden but he certainly will need to step up on what he’s shown so far. Flag Officer was 2nd to Sea Moon over C&D on his last start and with that rival going on to do what he did, on that form line, he is the one to beat. He is up 9lb for it though and hasn’t been seen for just under a year, while Labarinto is double the price. Right Step who won last time out at Epsom on heavy is up 9lb and that may be enough to prevent him winning but he can certainly reward e/w support. The main danger could come from Kirthill who looks certain to give more this season though bar him i’m finding it hard to give anything else a real good chance.
Advice – Labarinto 3pts win @8/1 BetVictor & Bet365
2:00 William Birch & Sons Construction Stakes
York Glory is an interesting runner and more is to come with this rival this year but he will need to in what is a good race and the fact this is his first run back. I backed Shropshire last time when a close 2nd in a good Newmarket handicap and he runs the same mark with Matthew Lawson also taking off 5lb. He was drawn on the right side but that stills entitles him to significant respect. However on his start where he was 8th at Pontefract, COOLMINX was ahead of him in 5th. Both were drawn badly and made the wrong decision to go wide and it has been wise to follow all horses that have done that. He should come on for that run and still looks progressive after winning the Ayr Bronze Cup last year. I’m a fan of New Planet who could easily be better than his mark of 100 while Escape To Glory is finally fulfilling some of his potential though i’m still not fully convinced he’s up to winning off 84. More could come from Barnet Fair last year who finished 4th in a handicap behind the favourite last year but could go closer over 6f.
Advice – Coolminx 1.25pts e/w @12/1 generally
4:45 McArthurglen´s York Designer Outlet Stakes
Richard Fahey has stated he will be disappointed if BACCARAT can’t go very close here and off 75 he could be extremely well handicapped. He has to prove his liking to turf though 7f looks ideal and although the form isn’t ideal he is still certainly worth chancing. The form of Tartiflette’s 2nd to Gregorian has been franked by that rival running an eyecatching race in the French 2000 Guineas. He’s up 5lb but that should not stop a big run now on better ground. Nameitwhatyoulike has improved for the step up to a mile and the drop to 7f may not suit in good grade. Three Am Tour and Grizzle both ran good rasces on their reappearances and both should come on for them. Off 6lb extra, Warfare comes into consideration but it’s worth chancing e/w with an outsider and BYRONIC HERO is that rival. I’m a big fan of Jedd O’Keefe as a trainer and I backed this horse last time at Pontefract but he missed the start and had no chance, until making significant headway near the end. He seemed to badly need that race and he looks really well handicapped now after being dropped 2lb for that run. The step up to 7f is unproven but it seems as if he will get it and he is worth a squeak at a huge price.
Advice – Baccarat 3pts win @13/2 Ladbrokes
Byronic Hero 1.25pts e/w @33/1 BetVictor
