Ebor Meeting (4th Day)

Cannot say anything other than that was very disappointing from Spartan Fighter yesterday. Slow to break and was in the worst position from there on. He did get slightly blocked but in truth did not look good enough for this level. I am in danger of not recording a win this week, which will be a first for me at York, so onward we go in trepidation.

Strensall Stakes Group 3 (1m 1f)

Forest Ranger should provide the pace but with several in this field that prefer to be held up he may not get pressed for the lead, so the gallop may not be too strong. That could be to his advantage but he looks to have a tough task in trying to defy a 6lb penalty for winning the Huxley Stakes at Chester in May, he should go better than last time on this faster ground and was placed in this 2 years ago. One that may need a strong gallop is Bangkok, he looked a promising middle distance 3yo at the start of the season winning over 1m 2f at Doncaster. He followed that with a classy performance in the Classic Trial at Sandown and his best since then has been a 2nd to Japan in the King Edward VII Stakes, where he came from last to first round the turn to the home straight but couldn't live with the future Juddmonte winner. That is obviously very good form but this looks on the short side today. Ryan Moore rides Zaaki for Sir Michael Stoute and has to carry a 3lb penalty for his eye catching win in the Diomed Stakes at Epsom, where he came from what seemed an impossible position at the rear to win with a fast finish, he then lost out in a desperate finish in the Summer Mile at Ascot. Excuses for his last run over 7f and this fast ground will be right up his street. Space Traveller may well be sitting behind Forest Ranger, a slow pace might make him a little keen as he is used to the faster run 7f races. This step up looks a little too far and is best watched today. The likely favourite is Cambridgeshire winner Wissahickon, who has been in form at Lingfield during the early months of the year including winning the Winter Derby. He didn't have to beat much that day but did it in style. Comes here from a 4 month break but goes well fresh.

Selection:

Preference is for the strong finishing Zaaki. He should relish the fast ground and can show his best on a flatter track despite carrying a penalty. 

Melrose Handicap Class 2 (1m 6f)

The pace should be decent with Skymax and Rochester House at the head of affairs. there should be plenty of time for them to sort themselves out as to running order before getting to the first bend, those drawn wide are mostly hold up horses so there shouldn't be any jostling for position early on. Rochester House is a proven stayer with form over further and may have to strtch this field if he is to defy top weight and a lot of his form has been achieved on slower ground as has his likely companion. Eminence ran at Goodwood, a festival that has been an influence on this race in the past. He was 3rd in the Unibet Handicap where he travelled strongly and may have been closer if he hadn't met a little trouble in the home straight. He met trouble at Ascot in the King George V Stakes where he was a strong finishing 3rd. Improving throughout the season, he should have a strong chance today. Another who has been showing improvement over middle distance trips is Kiefer, he looks a stayer and is on a handy mark. 

Selection:

I like the look of Eminence, he should improve for the step up in trip and is a strong traveller with a turn of foot. He also has experience in some big field handicaps and should continue improving. 

City Of York Stakes Group 2 (7f)

This should be a typically run 7f on fast ground, Laurens has been hoovering Group 1 races against her own sex but has so far failed to win in open comoany where she looks to be cruising but is usually found wanting, this drop back in trip might not be the answer as she is up against some experienced hirses at this distance. One who will relish the fast ground is Sir Dancealot winner of back to back Lennox Stakes where he won with his customary burst of speed in the closing stages. He has to defy a penalty but has done so before in last Year's Hungerford and may find the field coming back to him again if, as seems likely they go too quickly up front. Cape Byron drops in class after failing to feature in the July Cup. He won the Wokingham at Royal Ascot and is proven at the trip by his Victoria Cup win prior to that. Le Brivido has been disappointing this season and doesn't seem to find a lot under pressure. One who met trouble in the Lennox was Speak In Colours and would have got closer on what was a first attempt at this trip, whilst he has placed on fast ground he does appear to want a little give underfoot. Shine So Bright ran well in the 2,000 Guineas and this drop back to 7f will suit. He has had a long time off since Newmarket so will need to be fit to feature in this.

Selection:

This looks a strong renewal with several likely to feature, I have not been let down by Sir Dancealot (EW) in the past and with fast ground and a strong pace he should be in the mix despite the penalty.

Good luck, I'll post a piece on the Winter Hill Stakes from Windsor this evening if I have time.