2.15 York – Seprahim Angel (Each Way)
Many of these young fillies could be open to improvement, but I liked the way Seprahim Angel won at Chester last week. I thought she won a bit more snugly than the winning margin suggests. The daughter of Sergei Prokofiev is drawn in Stall 3, and low has been the place to be in this race over the years. If she can get off to a good start, I can see her being firmly in the mix.
2.45 York – Reach (Each Way)
This mare improved rapidly last year and signed off her season with a career best winning over this course and distance. She is 5lb higher than when we last saw her, but I think she could have more to offer this season. Her trainers Mick and David Easterby tend to do well with these types of horses and running her over 1m2f looks positive. As long as the weather stays dry, she looks to have a good each-way chance.
3.15 York – Bolsena (Each Way)
Bolsean finally broke her maiden tag when she was last seen at Newmarket. She’s got a lovely pedigree and is from the family of Group 1 winner Triple Time. Last time out, Ryan Moore rode her, and it’s interesting to see him keeping the ride on her. She might have to find a bit on official ratings; but she can step forward here.
3.45 York – Giavellotto (Win)
I think the market has disrespected Giavellotto here. He’s been a solid yardstick in these kinds of races over the last twelve months. His two runs in the Middle East this winter were perfectly respectable, and he was unlucky in Meydan after he had issues with his reins. He won this race last year, beating subsequent Group 1 winner Eldar Eldarov, and I think returning here is a no-brainer. Moreover, he’s 9lb better off with the favourite Tower Of London after they met in the Saudi Cup, and I can see him reversing the form here.
4.15 York – Lead Artist (Win)
I thought there was a lot to like about the debut of Lead Artist at Newmarket last month. He was slowly away that day, but he made significant headway in the closing stages to suggest he has plenty of ability. The son of Dubawi does meet First Conquest, who got the better of him last time out. However, Lead Artist will be in receipt of 6lbs which could make all the difference.
4.45 York – Eligible (Each Way)
Eligible has a good chance of defending his crown here. Last year he won his race off a 2lb lower mark, and he’s had a similar campaign this time around, after racing on the all-weather throughout the winter. They’re likely to go at a strong pace here, and that would suit the eight-year-old gelding, who likes to be played late. He’s effective over 7f and a mile, so this trip is no problem. With Joanna Mason booked, he surely won’t be far away.
5.20 York – Pilgrim (Each Way)
I think it could be a smart move to drop Pilgrim back down in trip. He was last seen finishing in the mid-division at Newmarket on his seasonal return. That run was over 6f and he was up with the pace throughout until he faded late on. As we’ve seen at York in the past, being on the pace can be a massive advantage. If Callum Rodriguez does decide to go forward, that could really suit this son of Havana Grey. Furthermore, he has run well at York in the past, finishing fourth in the valuable sales race at the Ebor meeting last year. For me, he’s one of my strongest fancies of the day.