York 3.00

York is a very fair test and really there should be no Course bias but significant indication that Course form is a big asset. I narrowed down to 4 horses and it is the Course form of 2 of them that jumps off the page. One I would definitely have tipped is SENIORITY but that is now a non runner.

 

VALE OF KENT is a massive danger and could make me regret not picking it but lack of Course form and the Trainers still not great record here (is better than it was but never feel Johnston targets this Fixture specifically) just puts me off. In FIRMANENT and WHATS THE STORY we have 2 horses who are very closely handicapped on collateral and actual form with excellent Course form in the past.

 

FIRMANENT runs off a mark of 99 having won off a mark of 96 in 2016, 3rd off 109 in 2017 and 3rd last year off 98. A recent win has shown all of the ability is still there and the form here and in this race has to make him a live contender. WHATS THE STORY is another course and Distance winner and beat Firmanent over CD giving 3lbs in May and gives 4lbs today, they are weighted to finish very close and if both run to that level of form it's hard not to see them in the places at least.