Battaash stole the show on day 3 and in doing so completed something of a dream treble after the likes of Love and Ghaiyyath had gone in. From our point of view, Brunch very much saved the day in the lucky last although the day almost certainly belonged to Jim Crowley and owner Hamdan Al Maktoum.
13:50 Sky Bet And Symphony Group Strensall Stakes (1m,77y)
Lord Glitters hasn't quite reached the top of his game this season although he has performed with credit and ran well in a Group 2 here last time. Admirably tough and consistent over the years, he landed this race in 2018 and looks almost certain to go close this time around. Miss O'Connor burnt plenty of fingers when finishing fifth at Ascot most recently, her overall form suggests she requires plenty of rain though she has time on her side and would be interesting if the heavens opened. Epic Hero hacked up at Meydan and makes his UK debut today, attempting to decipher exactly what he has achieved looks tough but his yard have been in form. Pogo and Zabeel Prince are other interesting angles though Lord Glitters ought to take some beating.
Selection - Lord Glitters (Win 10/3)
14:25 Sky Bet Melrose Handicap (1m5f,188y)
Favorite Moon has been well backed all day for this and represents William Haggas, who saddled the winner last season. Unexposed, he arrives here on the back of an impressive display at Haydock and has the services of Cieren Fallon in the saddle once more. Mambo Nights just got the better of A Star Above at Goodwood and landed the hat-trick in doing so, his 6lbs penalty for that could prove too much though this trip could eke out more. Kipps is rather frustrating, often well backed he usually looks like winning before finding little when asked. The handicapper has given Hughie Morrison's charge a chance by dropping him 3lbs though he just doesn't convince. Bodyline finished behind Kipps at Ascot when given plenty to do, his defeat at Newmarket last time was somewhat disappointing despite it being in a muddling affair. King's Charisma, Coltrane and Fishable are clearly going the right way though Bodyline is taken to gain compensation for his Ascot effort now upped in trip.
Selection - Bodyline (E/W 7/1, 5 places)
15:00 Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (7f)
Threat won last season's Gimcrack here before landing a Group 2 at Doncaster, thereafter his form rather hit the skids and his performance last time was surely, too bad to be true. There is every chance he will finally snap out of this run although betting him to do so, requires a fair leap of faith. One Master probably won in spite of the ground at Goodwood last time, she has plenty of form to justify being a short priced favourite here and looks the most likely winner if her latest effort hasn't left a mark. Safe Voyage, Escobar and Shine So Bright (Last seasons winner) all warrant respect and could take advantage should the favourite fail to deliver.
Selection - One Master (Win 7/4)
15:40 Sky Bet Ebor Handicap (1m5f,188y)
Grade One winning hurdler, Verdana Blue, went agonisingly close to landing the Ascot Stakes (2m4f) and was only collared late in the day. Personally, I thought Ryan Moore gave her a beautiful ride that day and this drop in trip looks certain to suit. Fujaira Prince has been put away since winning the Copper Horse Handicap (Over this trip) the handicapper slapped him with a 9lbs penalty for that but he is very lightly raced and could well follow up. Irish raiders have done well in this recently, Pondus and True Self wouldn't have to find much to improve upon that trend though on this occasion, both are passed over. King's Advice hasn't recaptured his form from last year but continues to edge down the weights, Mark Johnston has had winners at this meeting and it would be no surprise if his charge bounced back. Deja, Euchen Glen and Monica Sheriff are selected others with claims in a typically competitive looking renewal.
Selection - Verdana Blue (E/W 9/1, 6 places)
Selection - King's Advice (E/W 33/1, 6 places)
16:10 Julia Graves Roses Stakes (5f)
Lauded was taken out of the Gimcrack yesterday, presumably on account of the ground. I spoke very highly of him in yesterday's Blog and he could go well under Ryan Moore in this company. As highlighted before, the form of his trainer (Tom Dascombe) would have to be a concern although he certainly has a chance. Ben Macdui did everything right when bumping into the heavily backed Steel Bull at Goodwood last time, there wouldn't appear to be anything of that calibre on show against him today and a repeat could suffice. Acklam Express took the step up in grade within his stride when powering right away at Goodwood, his ability to handle the likely underfoot conditions should stand him in good stead and respect is afforded. Politics and Blackberry wouldn't have much to find to go close, a case could be made for either though there will be easier chances in the future.
Selection - Ben Macdui (Win 3/1)
16:40 Sky Bet Handicap (1m2f,56y)
Things never really panned out for the progressive Sinjaari last season, poor draws, trouble in the run, losing a shoe, literally almost everything that could have gone wrong did. Relatively unfancied (Not by me) when sent off 11/1 on his return here, he made no mistake and gained some much deserved compensation. The handicapper has reacted, 8lbs for that success rather complicates matters though he surely has more to come. Fifth Position raced far too freely in first time Blinkers the last day and is worth forgiving, judged on earlier efforts he would have serious place claims in this and his yard are firing. Pivoine won last seasons renewal off 4lbs higher, his form has since plummeted although the Blinkers could spark a revival. Maydanny turned a competitive Goodwood Handicap into a procession last time, the 11lbs he picked up as a result could prove lenient although he is priced up accordingly. The rest need to show their very best to get competitive and though I don't like backing horses to follow up once they've paid me, Sinjaari has just proven too tempting.
Selection - Sinjaari (Win 7/2)
17:10 Sky Bet Apprentice Handicap (5f)
An underwhelming curtain closer to what has been a fantastic week, Wonderwork appears progressive and scored with authority at Windsor earlier in the month. On the face of it, he will have to improve to land this though he is an interesting runner for a yard I like. Meraas has plenty of form in better races, soft ground would be a concern though and he is short enough. Sampers Seven is another to consider, she beat the re-opposing Queen's Order comfortably last time although the latter could get closer on the revised terms.
Selection - Wonderwork (Win 5/1)
For the last time this week, if you have taken your time to read through... It is much appreciated, so thanks a lot. York often throws up the weird and wonderful but it has been a great viewing spectacle, hopefully some of you will have had a great weeks punting. Future plans remain as stated, I will preview the better meetings and perhaps even review them.... It is something of a crowded market though and other, non betting related subjects will be visited at some point in the future.
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