The final day of York's Ebor meeting is today's racing
feature and there should be plenty of pace in the opening Strensall Stakes at
York this afternoon with Pogo and Miss O'Connor likely to ensure a decent
gallop in the Group 3 contest over a trip just shy of 1m 1f.
Lord Glitters (1.50) won the corresponding race two years
ago and he looked as good as ever at the age of seven when third in the York
Stakes over an extended 10f last time when he travelled as well as anything.
His draw in stall eight is a slight concern but he is a confirmed hold up
performer who can swoop fast and late although he does need a good gallop to be
seen at his best.
Favorite Moon really should be unbeaten in two starts this
term having looked an unlucky loser at Doncaster before going one better at
Sandown. He is a worthy “favourite” but Coltrane (2.25) won with a bit in hand
– albeit in a weaker race – at Newmarket last time and a 6lbs rise may not
prevent him following up. The each way recommendation is 12/1 at Boylesports.
One Master was value for a much wider margin of victory at Goodwood
last time when she was constantly denied a run, but she is short enough back
against the boys and I am convinced there is more to come from the only
three-year-old in the field Threat (3.00) and he gets the each way vote for
Richard Hannon.
The classic generation have won the last five renewals of
this race and the selection was an impressive winner of last year's Gimcrack on
his sole previous start on the Knavesmire. I would have preferred a lower draw
for the colt but 15/2 with William Hill looks a fair price.
My two against the field in the Ebor are Pondus and Alright
Sunshine (3.40) with the latter getting the each way vote at 25/1 despite
reservations about the draw in stall 17. Trainer Keith Dalgleish has not had
the best of times since racing recommenced post lockdown, but he had a welcome
winner at York earlier in the week and had two horses run very well in defeat
at Chester.
The selection is 10lbs better off with favourite Fujaira
Prince for the 11l he was behind the Roger Varian trained winner at Ascot, but
he ran into the back of Ranch Hand 6f out and met trouble in running when
making his move two furlongs out. He would not have beaten the impressive and
progressive grey, but he would have finished much closer and he is taken to
reward each way support.
Merhaas (5.10) looked as if the drop to the minimum trip
would suit when sixth in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood last time and he gets
the vote in the concluding apprentice handicap for Mark Johnston. Talented
apprentice Oliver Stammers takes off a valuable 5lbs on the three-year-old who
has only disappointed once so far this term and that was on soft ground.
There is a terrific 10f 3-y-old handicap at Sandown and preference
for Brilliant Light (2.05) over New Chapter is marginal. The selection won a
Wolverhampton maiden last time having shaped with considerable promise behind
Darain – disappointed at York midweek – on debut at Newbury. The selection is
likely to try to make all from stall two given his Dunstall Park success was
over an extended 12f.
Quadrilateral is likely to be a warm order in the Atalanta
Stakes at Sandown on Sunday with the classic generation having won seven of the
last ten renewals of this Group 3 contest for fillies and mares. Roger
Charlton's Fillies' Mile winner has finished third in the 1000 Guineas and
Coronation Stakes so far this term, but she was well beaten at Royal Ascot and
is short enough in the betting at 13/8.
The each way recommendation is last year's winner Lavender's
Blue (3.05) who failed to get home over 10f last time in Group 1 company but
travelled well enough in rear to suggest she was still capable of holding her
won in this company. She was well beaten by Billesdon Brook last autumn but met
trouble in running and is taken to reverse the form. A good gallop is essential
for Amanda Perrett's filly who is priced at 9/1.
