Day one at York

Here is a brief preview of today’s York races from the book, including two short-lists.

Group Three Musidora Stakes

Cape Amber – Fits the trends in that she run at Newmarket but is weak in the market and not many outsiders win this.

Comeback Queen – Bypassed for price reasons.

Cruel Sea – Recent run in a Listed event at Newmarket a plus, however, Barry Hills’ runners not done great in this.

Dar Re Mi – Recent win at a Grade One course is a positive, though Sandown has yet to provide the winner in recent times.

Lush Lashes – Similar profile to the 1997 Musidora winner, Reams Of Verse, who was also sixth in the 1,000 Guineas. Sure to be in the first two of the betting and one of the likelier winners.

Moonstone – Yet to win, but a maiden did land the Musidora in 1999. Negative is that a few of O’Brien’s hotpots have been turned over in this.

Sayyedati Symphony – An exposed maiden likely to be a big outsider.

Sovereign’s Honour – Sir Michael Stoute has a decent record in this, but both winners were fancied and she is likely to start outside the first three in the betting.

Short-list: Lush Lashes, Moonstone.



Group Two Duke Of York Stakes

The trends suggest the high section of the draw are up against it, so only middle to low numbers – stalls 1 to 12 – are analysed.

War Artist – Eyecatching run in the Abernant, a useful pointer for this, but only one Group One penalty-carrier has emerged in the last 12 years.

Haatef – Also carries a penalty and yet to prove himself on fast ground despite trainer suggesting it may suit.

Assertive – Carried my money in the Abernant when second. Gives impression he may struggle to lift a decent Group event, but has the overall profile and can sit handy on ground that suits. Yard won it in 1999.

Balthazaar’s Gift – Has won over course and distance but terrible strike-rate in last three years and may want softer ground.

Beaver Patrol – No six-year-old has won this for 12 years and only rated 100.

Beckermet – No massive negative, though will do well to dominate this field and has lost all five outings at York.

Big Timer – Only rated 101 and looked held in Listed class last time.

Hoh Mike – Fits the trends and hard to pick faults, though has habit of getting behind – as he did in the Nunthorpe – which is not ideal at York.

Prime Defender – Fits the trends and ran well from a bad draw in the informative Abernant Stakes. Loves fast ground, can sit handy and yard has won this.

Rising Shadow – Only rated 93 and would have to be biggest outsider to land this in recent times.

Utmost Respect – Progressive profile and today is his acid test in Group company. Yet to record a victory at that level or in Listed grade unlike the majority of past proven winners. Ground may also be too fast.

Wi Dud – A dual winner at York but possibly better at the minimum trip.

Short-list: Prime Defender, Assertive, Hoh Mike.