Friday 16th May
By SP2A Analysis
York 2.42 - Handicap - Class 2 - 1 mile 2 and 1/2 furlongs - 13 run - Good to Firm
This is a very competitive race with 5 at the top of my ratings that were hard to separate. With some enhanced places to 4th, I'll go with my top 2 rated and note the 3rd rated as a reserve in case of a non runner.
The pair that just missed out but who are genuinely dangerous rivals are Brioni, needed a seasonal debut and one of a growing number of good middle distance Flat handicappers from a Yard that is significantly transitioning from being a major NH yard into a serious Flat operation. Have A Secret carries an 8lbs penalty and whilst that may stall progress, still a horse to fear.
My top 2 rated are TONY MONTANA who has also had a run already and who looks seriously primed here and the less exposed THUNDER RUN who is upped in trip after a series of good runs at a mile. Stamina is not assured but this late starter, who didn't run as a 2 year old, strikes me as a 4 year old who still has significant scope. My 3rd rated for reference purposes is the filly Brit Al Daar who has struck me as a filly who can win decent handicaps for a while. (Northern)
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Newbury 2.25 - Handicap - Class 3 - 1 mile 2 furlongs - 15 run - Good to Firm
With almost all Bookies enhancing this race to 4 places there are 4-5 horses who warrant very close attention.
Nap Hand (another Alan King runner) just missed a nomination and was my 5th best rated, this one has Course and Distance form and form on Good to Firm , my slight niggle would be that it might just be exposed for some early tactical speed. I found it incredibly difficult to split YOKOHAMA and Sweet Reward, strictly on the fom book they should literally finish side by side, Sweet Reward has won for us already this season and has a good record here and in this race and I'm reluctant to desert but I do think that YOKOHAMA has a bit more scope and after a gelding operation, has a reason and chance to prove the hunch right.
My clear top 2 rated though are INTO BATTLE who will come on considerably for seasonal debut last time out and who had an eye-catching run here last time and one who can definitely go higher up the handicap. AZAHARA PALACE was very unlucky in running last time, never really getting a clear run and this scope laden filly is another with potentially a higher ceiling. (The Advisor)
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Newbury 5.55 - Handicap - Class 5 - 1 mile 4 furlongs - 15 run - Good to Firm
A lower Grade race to close the Card and one that I think generally lacks depth, with a lot of AW form that may or may not transition to Firm Turf. With 15 runners guaranteed enhanced odds with most Bookies.
My clear top 3 rated are NIBRAS GOLD, a Beverley winner from a Yard earning a serious reputation for revitalising sour types who needed a chance of scenery, this is a deeper race in some ways with a 3lbs penalty, that could be lenient. ONE COOL DREAMER is another Alan King Flat runner, this one has NH experience too and the addition of cheek-pieces could make all the difference. Finally, at bigger Odds is the exposed, but capable IMPERIAL CULT, ths one can win when well handicapped, is still a couple of pounds above last winning mark but should be 100% fit after 2 runs and I'll be disappointed if not in the first 4-5 home (RJ)
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KIlbeggan 6.30 - Handicap Hurdle - 3 miles - 14 run - Good
Both Final Orders who runs off a very appealing Hurdles mark back from Chasing and Armed And Fabulous who was somewhat exposed when running at Ayr when Mullins was desperate for some prize money in the uK Trainers title , could take a hand here if running to their best Hurdles form. Arctic Lane is an unexposed type whose 3 mile P2P win suggests should be suited by this trip and is one I've added to the TRACKER as a probable improver this summer. Walking on Glass is a more experienced and exposed type who could run a place at nice e/w odds and was 4th best rated.
My top 3 rated though are SAINTE LE FORT who is upped in trip on favourable ground, gets a first time tongue-tie and who just appears to be one ready to step up and win. YEATES STAR is a frustrating Elliott horse who looks sure to click at some point, all of the components are there and today may well be the day. PLAINS INDIAN may be better known as a Flat horse but has proven form at the trip and one who can just lob round and deliver a final kick up the home straight. (MG)
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TRACKERS-
York 3.13 - Gulya (win) - strongly noted last time.
Leopardstown 7.23 - Satin - nice e/w punt who was noted last time.