Graham Cunningham guides us through the World Pool card at York on Saturday including the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap.
Rock and Tarriance a tempting Ebor pair
Just four races on the World Pool slate as a splendid Ebor Festival reaches its last lap
Let’s start with the feature event at 3.35 and, as ever, you can make a case for any number of runners either because they are in great form or might be about to bounce back.
It’s hard to suggest we should go bombs away as a result, but I generally incline towards those who arrive in peak condition and thus the short list consists of HOPEWELL ROCK, TARRIANCE, KLASSLEADER AND DAIQUIRI BAY.
Hopewell Rock and Tarriance are my top two, the latter because he seemed to relish his first go at this trip when beating a subsequent good winner at Goodwood and the latter because he won the Melrose on this day last year and caught the eye travelling very powerfully for a long way when fourth behind HR three weeks ago.
Klassleader bombed out at Newmarket last time but had looked a prime Ebor candidate when bolting up here in the spring, while Daiquiri Bay has thrived in good handicaps this year and still looks fairly treated after a 5lb hike for his brave Royal Ascot success.
Marvel a live longshot for rampant Balding
Those of us who doubted the wisdom of elevating the City of York Stakes (3.00) have had to wind their necks in given that this year’s renewal has attracted seven G1 winners and several G2 horses who’ve been on top of their game of late.
You’ll find any number of horses tipped to win it – headed by mercurial Lockinge winner Notable Speech -and last year’s runner-up Lake Forest – but don’t be surprised if MARVELMAN and TEN BOB TONY run well at longer odds.
Andrew Balding’s superb form this week is a major plus point for Marvelman, as is the easy ground, and a return to the form this lad showed to bolt up in G2 company at Donny last September would make him a live player here.
Ten Bob Tony has surprised me and plenty others this season, coming from well back to create a boilover in the Queen Anne then finishing well again for a solid 4th in the Sussex Stakes, and the holding surface will suit him well as he steps back to 1400m.
Lastly this week, a few lines about the latest meeting of a load of old favourites in the Constantine Handicap at 4.10.
Fab four for the Quinella hunt
I don’t want to go overboard about the draw, but stall 19 could be tough for the hugely progressive Red Spells Danger and although Coul Angel ran very well from gate 20 here last time his connections probably won’t be thrilled to be way out west again.
In short, it’s tempting to perm four bang-in-form horses drawn low to middle in the hope of ending the week with a handy Quinella here.
DANCE IN THE STORM, AIR FORCE ONE, FAR ABOVE DREAM and SONDAD are the four who catch the eye.
Dance In The Storm has been progressing well over 1400m while giving the strong impression that 1200m is well worth a try, while Air Force One was a decisive winner on Wednesday and still looks fairly treated under a penalty.
Far Above Dream has thrived for the remarkable James Owen and possibly saw the front a little too soon when a good sixth in the Stewards’ Cup, while Sondad was a respectable seventh at Goodwood while leaving the impression that the return to a flatter track could prove ideal.