Tim Easterby has enjoyed success this week at York and I fancy him to enjoy a good deal more before the week is out. Today he runs DARK JEDI who boasts solid course form and has proven himself to be a high class handicapper in his own right. Like Easterby's other two winners this week he endured a ‘quiet' run last time out and was tenderly handled at Hamilton when last seen. It looked like a ‘tee up' run and I think connections were hoping to sneak into the Ebor but they have just missed out. It isn't the end of the world however as this looks like a fine compensation opportunity.
On Saturday I think it may pay to enjoy a bit of BRUNCH who is certainly on an upward curve. Michael Dods charge loves it here at York and the extra furlong will be right up his street today. He stays a mile very well and although the small field may cause a few tactical issues for William Buick, I do fancy him to run a big race at 12/1.
I thought DHUSHAN was an unlucky loser last time out at Ascot as he had to make up a lot of ground in a slowly run race which wasn't ideal. He is better judged on his earlier form at Hamilton when he won with plenty to spare. He is up in grade again today and has plenty of weight to shoulder but I do think he is a lot better than his current mark and I will be disappointed if he isn't in the shake up.
The big race itself looks an absolute minefield and therefore I'm going to have two darts at the board. AWAY HE GOES really impressed me in the winter when running very well in Dubai and his summer season looks to have been geared around this race. He improved for his return when he ran second at Goodwood to the classy Trueshan. That form is rock solid and definitely one of the best bits on form on offer here today. Ismael Mohamaed is no mug and he can certainly line a horse up for a big pot so at 16/1 he looks to be worth a punt.
Another man who can line a horse up at a big pot is a Mr Willie Mullins and his runner MT LEINSTER looks just the type of horse who has been lined up for this race. Not seen in 305 days he will have race fitness against him but that is rarely a worry for a runner from this stable. Mullins enlists the help of Jason Watson and the pair joined forces to win last year's Cesarewitch with another plot so that certainly bodes well. My selection has certainly shown plenty on the level and looks set to be another prized dual purpose horse for Team Closutton.
The final tip of the week is another Tim Easterby runner and this time it is FISHABLE. Another horse who loves it here at York he ran a mighty race last time out when perhaps seeing bit too much daylight up the straight. The form he has in the book means he should run a big race here and if he can be kept covered up for longer I think he will do just that.
York 1.50 – Dark Jedi
Saturday
York 1.50 – Brunch
York 2.25 – Dhushan
York 3.35 – Away He Goes / Mt Leinster
York 4.45 – Fishable
