A few near misses yesterday were hard to take but hopefully we can find a winner today on what looks a slightly easier day (famous last words). I’ve been waiting for ESCOBAR to land a big pot this season so I am not giving up just yet as he remains in great heart. He was unlucky at Goodwood, twice, but ran well both times. In my mind he is probably going to land his big pot when there is plenty of cut later in the season but he does go on this better ground and if they go fast enough up front today then he will be steaming home. At 16/1 he is definitely worth each way support.
In the same race I think his stablemate ORBAAN is worth a few quid too. A big eye catcher at Goodwood last time when missing the break but flew home for 6th I’m surprised he can still be backed at 12/1 today. Yes, he will probably need some luck at a track where front runners do well but Jamie Spencer got his eye in yesterday with a masterful ride on Arcadian Sunrise and I’m hopeful he can reward each way backers at least today.
I think MR MCCANN is far too big a price today given his rock solid form in the book. He has a big rating but he has earnt it and if you forgive him a bad run at Ascot last time then you surely have to fancy his chances today. Pierre Jamin takes off a handy 5lbs and in a race which looks a bit flakey, it might just pay to stick with the form horse.
The finale today is a fillies handicap and it wouldn’t be the strongest renewal. John Gosden doesn’t home many handicappers and I’d be surprised if SWEET ENOUGH isn’t rated a bit higher than 87 by the end of the season. Her form has picked up in recent runs and she certaily looks on the upgrade. With her three year old allowance she looks a tasty enough bet today and I hope she will take some beating.
York 3.00 – Escobar / Orbaan
York 4.10 – Mr McCann
York 5.20 – Sweet Enough
