Thursday 15th May
By SP2A Analysis
York 2.42 - Handicap - Class 2 - 1 mile - 15 run - Good to Firm
A few really great old favourites in here with past Course and Distance winning form, but somewhat exposed now and really my focus narrowed to around 7 horses, a mix of up and coming unexposed types and some of the more competitive exposed types.
Blue For You comes in tho the latter category, at around 4-5/1 he isn't great each way value, he might be a "win saver" for some but it's a competitive heat and I think he can be taken on. Old Cock has some interesting form but a return to rattling Good to Form is by far the biggest reason to invest in him here and I don't think that's a strong enough case on balance. Sisyphen is one of the unexposed ones, may in time be a better horse than most of these, the jockey booking ensures it will be well backed, but overall, I felt there were 3 better each way punting options in terms of value and probability of a return on investment. If there is one horse at a big price (16-20/1 range) who could upset the applecart, I think it might be THEME PARK, and he will be a reserve in case of a non-runner, I will TRACK him forwards as I can see him picking up a nice slightly less competitive Class 2 race or a Class 3 race, in the not too distant future.
My top 3 rated though are ; STANAGE I have more than a suspicion that this one has more to come at this trip, typical of the type that the Yard pick up for precisely this sort of race and well, I'll never tire of an interview with the absolute legend who trains him as the old egg timer runs down on a quite staggering career. Politically correct he isn't but the world will be a far less interesting place when he's no longer Training. NORTHERN EXPRESS is one of the more exposed ones, has an ideal profile for the race and the fact the cheek-pieces are ON, is I think very significant. MR KING loves Good to Firm, is more than a few pounds better on this surface than any other and despite flopping as favourite at Thirsk last time, had no luck at all on the day with the conditions of that race and I think we can excuse him that run (RJ)
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Clonmel 6.48 - Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 3 and 1/2 furlongs - 16 run - Good
The class horse of the race is the ex Flat horse Qaasid, he'd be finishing in miles in front if this was a Flat race, he will probably win BUT there are Hurdles to jump and I'm far from convinced that he has the makings of a competent jumper. I just hope he gets around unscathed.
Qaasid aside; the top 3 really do stand out in terms of analysis and with places to 5th in some places and 4th as industry standard if all 16 run, they look very strong each way value.
COLLEEN DANU was very impressive last year winning at Gowran Park, doesn't like soft going and a return to genuine Good ground here should be ideal and I'll be very disappointed if this one isn't the winner (without Qaasid or even possibly beating him). ZOLPHARINE sounds like a pain killer but is a horse who return from Chasing and whose previous exploits overall and over hurdles suggest a strong showing and another returning to the smaller obstacles SPELLACY'S CROSS is another who can pick up a place at least and another whose return to better ground is a definite tick in the right box. (MG)
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TRACKERS-:
York 2.10 - Shagraan - (put this up a day early yesterday - does run in this and has a sporting e/w chance - noted on seasonal debut as an eyecatcher)
Marc Goldstein - two rides at his favourite Fontwell tonight - where he will throw in a big priced winner or place often enough for us to note the rides!
Fontwell 5.35 - Crazy Maisie (@50/1) / Fontwell 7.10 - Miss Ireland (@16/1)