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| Don't arm wrestle this woman! |
It was fantastic to see Hayley Turner win her second Group1 yesterday on Margot Did – surely, if there are any still out there who doubt a woman’s strength in a finish then this should put paid any doubts? I’d like to see one or two of the naysayers take on a jockey who happens to be a jockey (I’ve banned myself from using the term “female jockey”) in an arm wrestling contest!
Today is the last day of the Ebor Festival and I’ve managed just 6 winner so I’ve work to do - but for now here are Saturday system Selections:
York
15:05 Opinion Poll (4.4) 1st
17:20 Thirteen Shivers (7.8)
Sandown
15:55 Drift and Dream (10)
17:35 Aerial Acclaim (5)
Chester
16:45 My Kingdom (15) UP
Small loss of -0.6 today :(
Small loss of -0.6 today :(
York
My picks for York require a magnificent effort from Frankie today (I have faith that his leg was hurting after that kick he received from Mountain Hiker on Thursday and that all Godolphin’s three runners yesterday coming LAST was an aberration never to be repeated. I have enough faith that I’ve put a Canadian on all his rides today (most are covered with singles bets too)
14:00 Debenhams City Of York Stakes (Listed) 3yo plus, 7f, Class 1
Yaa Wayl won this last year for Michael Jarvis and now with Bin Suroor. He’s popped over to Meydan over winter to run in a couple of (out of his league) races there before returning to the UK to win LTO at Newbury. He shouldn’t disgrace himself (famous last words!)
Yaa Wayl 7/1 each way UP
14:30 Betfred Melrose Handicap 3yo only, 1m 6f, Class 2
Difficult one this! The money is there for Communicator after some positive words from the trainer this morning. The Bell/Turner combo is not too be dismissed lightly at the moment and he has a lot going for him. Lyric Street is primed to do well and Cumani has a good record here with his 3yo – the same cannot be said for Fallon though who hasn’t won a 3yo race here at York in the past 5 years (19 runs) and this is enough to put me off. I like Thubiaan (Haggas) but I have a problem with the jockey! The extra 2f shouldn’t be a problem and he’s carrying less weight than he ever has. I have to mention Apache (my husband’s method of selecting runners is to look for any with a cowboys & Indians name!) and he won his maiden at Leopardstown in impressive style and you can forget the Ascot run LTO when he was hampered and stumbled, never to recover. Dare I suggest that Joseph may not be the most experienced pilot for this big field? Eventually, I opted for Parlour Games who should relish the step up in trip and is fine on good or good to soft. He won nicely LTO in a decent race at Ascot (beating Halifax that day) and this is the first time Frankie has race-ridden him so that has to be a plus.
Parlour Games 12/1 each way 1st
15:05 Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup 3yo plus, 2m 88y, Class 1 (Group 2)
I’ve looked for something drawn high here with proven stamina and landed on yet another Godolphin runner (there’s more yet !) with Opinion Poll. His 2nd at Ascot in June on good/soft shows that he’ll have enough in his tank at the end to make his move (he’s an out and out hold up horse) and nick this on the line!
Opinion Poll 10/3 win 1st
15:40 Betfred Ebor 3yo plus, 1m 6f, Class 2
Saptapadi has the widest draw but this race has been won from a car park start before (Hugs Dancer 2002, Mediterranean 2001, Sergeant Cecil 2005, Dirar last year) so this needn’t be the impediment it might be and in fact, looking back at the previous winners it could even be an advantage. Saptapadi will be held up for sure so will need luck in running as ever in such a big field but the fact that Fallon asked for the ride means a great deal. Lost In The Moment is drawn next to him and someone I know has been throwing money at this one £ by £ over the past 2 weeks . I have to put some on myself!
Saptapadi 7/1 each way
Lost In The Moment 7/1 each way UP16:15 Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) 5f, Class 1 2yo
This was an easy pick for me My Propeller was pulled out of a race a few days ago (I would have been on and the official reason given was the ground which was good and which she has won on before) and so I would suggest connection have high hopes and saved her for this one. She was hopelessly outclassed in a group 2 LTO and would be much more suited to this.
My Propeller 9/2 1st
16:50 Betfred Bonus King Nursery 1m, Class 2 2yo
There is a marked draw bias over a mile here with low draws having the advantage. All those drawn 1-5 look to be in with a shout. None have eyecatching entries so looking at the trainers and jockeys success rates here with 2yo, I’ve narrowed it down to the Fahey, Hill & Hannon trio. Self Centred is off (Michael Hill rides!) and so what would appear to be Hannon’s second string, Wolfgang and Holy Roman Warrior are the two left on the shortlist. Neither should be inconvenienced by a step up to a mile or the ground. Holy Roman Warrior was the costlier and looks to have the middle distance breeding that isn’t apparent in Wolgang so he’s my tenuous selection.
Holy Roman Warrior 7/2 UP
17:20 tyregiant.com Handicap 3yo only, 5f, Class 2
This was another easy pick for me with Thirteen Shivers. C&D winner who has won on both good to soft and good to firm so the going isn’t an issue. Mick Easterby and Graham Gibbons both do well with the 3yo races here and with a super low weight I think Thirteen Shivers is ahead of the handicapper here! It would be nice to see this local trainer win the last race of the festival in what could be his last before retirement (but then again the only thing stopping Mick Easterby from training might be his invite to pass through the pearly gates!)
Thirteen Shivers 13/2
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