1.50 York – Shadow Dance EW
This is a difficult race to work out, but Shadow Dance is a horse I’ve had on my radar for a while. He was a real eye-catcher when he finished second at Ripon last time out, staying on strongly in the closing stages. The son of Almanzor was raised 2lb for that performance, but I still think he’s a well handicapped horse. Last season he finished a close second behind Alsakib, who now rated 16lb higher than him, so he must be on a good mark. He stays well, and I think he’ll put up a strong performance.
2.25 York – Quickthorn EW
When Quickthorn is on a going day, he is a proper horse. Last year he caused an upset to win the Group 1 Goodwood Cup when he bolted up. If he gets a solo lead, then he’s going to be dangerous.
3.00 York – Caburn EW
I quite like the chances of Caburn here to run a good race, who is unbeaten after two starts. Afterwards, he went on to win the Super Sprint at Newbury, where he hit the line hard, and that form was boosted after Time For Sandals finished second in the Lowther Stakes on Thursday. His trainer Jack Jones is a young trainer going places, and I think this horse could give him the biggest day of his career here.
3.35 York – Bradsell (Win)
I thought Bradsell looked as good as ever when he won a Listed race at Deauville earlier this month. Last year he finished third in this race when staying on in the closing stages. I think the difference this time around could be the ground. As already mentioned, there is meant to be a fair amount of rain on Thursday night, and that could come into play. The son of Tasleet has proven himself on the ground before, and I think that experience could make the difference.
4.10 York – Power Of Destiny (Win)
I was with Power Of Destiny when she finished second at Glorious Goodwood earlier this month, and I thought she was a little unlucky not to win. I’m going to give her one more chance here though, as off a mark of 88, I think she’s on a good mark. Her form stacks up well, and I can see the track at York playing to her strengths. I think this could be the day she comes of age.
4.45 York – Arabian Angel EW
I didn’t have a strong opinion on this race, but Arabian Angel ran well on his racecourse debut at Redcar last time out. He’s by Dark Angel, whose progeny seem to improve from run to run. With Karl Burke’s juveniles yard going great guns, I can see him taking a hand in the finish.
5.20 York – Midnight Gun (Win)
Midnight Gun went very close to finishing third last time out at Glorious Goodwood. That race was over 1m2f, and he’s dropping back to 1m, which I can see suiting well. The son of Kingman is bred in the blue, as his dam is Sky Lantern, who is a Group 1 winner, and he could well develop to be better than a handicap in time. He’s one of my stronger selections of the day.