Brian Ellison looks to have another useful dual purpose horse on his hands in the shape of CORMIER. A good quality hurdler, he reverted back to the flat last time out at Pontefract where he capitalised on a pretty lenient mark on the face of it and he did so in cosy fashion. I don't think 6lb would have stopped him that day so I have every reason to believe he has a very good chance again today in the 2.05 at York.
Down at Newmarket I've sided with Ralph Beckett as I think two of his runners are over priced at the time of writing. LORD PROTECTOR looked pretty useful earlier in the season and I had him earmarked down as a potential middle distance improver. The step up to 1m 4f didn't seem to suit last time out as he travelled like the winner until the final furlong where he simply blew up. He drops back down to 10f here today which looks a good move and if you can forgive the last run then you must admit he looks overpriced at 12/1 here.
PRINCE ALEX got his career right back on track last time at Goodwood despite being edged out by the admirable Nuits St George. It was a step back in the right direction however after an ‘ok' reappearance run. He looked quite the improver last year and I initially thought that would continue through his four year old career and eventually he would turn out to be quite a smart stayer. His last run reaffirmed that thought so at 15/2 he looks a good bet here.
York 2.05 – Cormier
Newmarket 1.50 – Lord Protector
Newmarket 3.00 – Prince Alex
