Wednesday 15th May 2024
Author: Jordan Yates (jordan_yates_)
2.15: Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Jorvik Handicap: Kicking things off for the week at York is the 2.15 which is the Jorvik Handicap over a mile and four furlongs. I like Kihavah for Adrian Keatley and Oisin Murphy. He thrived last summer and clearly likes this course as he’s won over track and trip. He returned to action with a decent fourth-placed effort at Newmarket last month within a competitive field and he’ll likely build on that run here. Murphy’s booking is eyecatching and a big run would be no shock. Kihavah – 7/1 (Each-Way)
2.45: Churchill Tyres Handicap: The second race of the afternoon comes up at 2.45 and it’s more handicap action, this time over six furlongs. I’m with Charimanoftheboard here who is currently a 17/2 chance for Jack Channon and David Probert. I put him up for his most recent run where he ran a fine race to finish third of fifteen at Newmarket earlier this month after missing the break. He’ll contest this off the same mark and if getting a bit more luck on this occasion, I think he can be bang there. Chairmanoftheboard – 17/2 (Each-Way)
3.15: Duke Of York Clipper Stakes: Next up it’s the 3.15 which is our first pattern race of the afternoon in the Group 2 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes over six furlongs. I’m chancing Spycatcher here at 6/1 for Karl Burke and Ryan Moore. He posted a fine effort on his seasonal reappearance at Newmarket last month in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes when finishing third and three-quarters of a length behind Washington Heights. He should build on that run here and has form at the highest level, he also represents a yard who have been in fine form. Spycatcher – 6/1 (Each-Way)
3.45: Tattersalls Musidora Stakes: My fourth pick of the day comes up at 3.45 and this is the Group 3 Musidora Stakes over a mile and two and a half furlongs. I find it hard to get away from Friendly Soul here who heads the betting for John & Thady Gosden and is the mount of Kieran Shoemark. She won the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes in impressive style earlier this month at Newmarket and looks to be another filly sporting these silks with bags of potential for connections. If she continues her progression she has to be very hard to beat. Friendly Soul – 10/11 (Win) (NAP)
4.15: Conundrum HR Consulting Handicap: We move back into handicap action at 4.15 with a Class 3 handicap that’s ridden over seven furlongs. I like Fire Demon here for the team of Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy. He comes into the race in fine form having won his last two starts within handicap company on the all-weather and he might not be finished progressing just yet. He also has form on turf having finished second on debut last term behind the very useful Dancing Gemini, and I think he could still be a bit better than his current mark. Race fitness could be another key factor and he has to be considered a massive player. Fire Demon – 11/4 (Win)
4.45: British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes: My final selection of the afternoon comes in the 4.45 which is a novice event over five furlongs. I like King Of Light in this particular affair for Karl Burke and Shane Foley. He was sent off favourite for his racecourse debut at Windsor last month where he finished third of ten, however, he will have learnt a great deal from what was already a promising run. The yard have been in fine form with their two-year-olds once again so far this season and it would be no surprise to see this one progress from his debut run and go very close here. King Of Light – 9/2 (Win) (NB)
