York selections Thursday 21st August
Day two at York and there are plenty of focus on the distaffers with a host of races dedicated to fillies and mares. I have selections from two races included the listed Galtres Stakes where the King and Queen have the two favourites – and it could be the second string that comes home first. We could not find a winner on day two but Artisan Dancer was second for the each-way bet (SP 28/1).
York 3.00: Old Cock & Urban Lion
Whilst it is generally accepted that a low draw is best on the round track at York, evidence in recent seasons suggest you can win from higher and both my selections have the ability to overcome a wide berth.
First choice is OLD COCK who did us a good turn when winning over this course and distance at the Dante meeting in May. This horse travels well and seemed to relish the fast ground on that occasion.
Since then he was well beaten back here last month when a slow start and steady pace meant he was never really able to get into the race with a chance. However he is better than that and a stronger gallop and bigger field should help him get involved today.
URBAN LION has been progressive all season since opening his campaign with a win at Chelmsford in February. He kept on strongly for second in the Spring Mile at Newbury and then ran two crackers in June to win a valuable handicap at Sandown, followed by a keeping on fifth just four days later in the Hunt Cup.
Jockey Hugh Bowman rode a waiting race from the front in the Shergar Cup at Ascot last week, but he arguably waited too long, allowing Ebts Guard first run before battling back to third late on. It is likely he will get a lead today which should suit this horse better and he too should enjoy a strong gallop to run off.
York 4.10: Aeolian
One of two horses in the field with the benefit of just two racecourse appearances, AEOLIAN can defy that inexperience with victory here.
Having showed conspicuous ability on debut at Chester, despite racing greenly, she build on that in style with a cosy win at Newmarket at the beginning of the month. She made all on that occasion, making use of her stamina to win over 10f. Everything in her pedigree suggests she will improve again for this step up in distance.
From the same mare that gave birth to Desert Hero, the colt who won over this trip at Royal Ascot two seasons ago, and who went on to finish third in a St Leger, Aeolian should surely be able to stay as far as 12f. That stamina might well give her supremacy over the other owner’s entry Rainbows Edge who takes an even steeper step up in distance – and who is not guaranteed to improve for it.
Recommended bets:
0.5pts each-way – Urban Lion – 3.0 York – 14/1 general (most bookies 1/5 odds 1st 5)
1pt each-way – Old Cock – 3.0 York – 9/1 William Hill (1/5 odds 1st 5)
1pt each-way – Aeolian – 4.10 York – 5/1 Bet365
