Bens Ebor Day one Tips

It’s Day 1 of the Ebor meeting and it is shaping up to be a great days racing. The opening race is a real tough one but with a kind draw I’d hope it is finally MAKANAH’s turn to land a big one. Julie Camacho’s charge has been running well all summer without winning, most notably when last off the bridle at Goodwood last time out only to be on the wrong side of the track. He has been mixing it in listed company also this year so clearly has the ability and I will be hoping he can get his head in front today at 11/1.
The Great Voltigeur is a small runner event and although it’s likely to be riding quick I’d like to take a punt on EL BODEGON. The name translates to ‘ The still life ‘ which is ironic as all this horse has done is move forward. James Ferguson has been very complimentary about him and a second in the French Derby proves his class. If it was soft ground he would be NAP material here but even in good ground I’m willing to take a punt at 14/1.
If Baeed is going to get beat I think it’s going to be here. Up in trip at a track which has a reputation of throwing up the odd weird result are two components of a potential banana skin and I’d like to take him on given the price of the opposition. The question is which one? Given how SIR BUSKER is likely to be ridden I think he might be the one for me. He impressed me last time out when winning here over course and distance and he remains unexposed over the 10f trip. I’m not daft, he has plenty to find on bare form and ratings but if the favourite doesn’t stay then this lad could be swooping late.
One of my more confident bets of the day is ALFRED BOUCHER who looks to be reformed after the switch to Ian Williams‘ yard. A step up to 2 miles on stable debut seemed to rejuvenate this classy sort and he returns to that trip today, completely unexposed. William Buick is a confident booking and the long straight should allow him plenty of time to deliver his challenge.
I was slightly disappointed with CATHY COME HOME at Ascot as I was sure she was a top notcher. Having watched the race back a few times, I’m happy to forgive her as she was drawn on the wrong side and simply had no pace to follow. She even ran on in the final furlong showing she still had something to give. A big step down into nursery company for this valuable pot may have been the plan since then and if she replicates her Musselburgh win then we could be laughing with odds of 14/1.

York 1.50 – Makanah
York 3.00 – El Bodegon
York 3.35 – Sir Busker
York 4.10 – Alfred Boucher
York 5.20 – Cathy Come Home