Winners may be hard to find at York on Saturday with some typically competitive racing. It is hardly the sort of meeting you want to see when you are looking for some extra pounds for Royal Ascot!
The good news is that one winner will probably cover your day’s betting and Fury can give us a good run for our money in the 2.40. The grey has been gradually coming down the handicap and now appears to be on a more reasonable mark.
He last ran at the Epsom Derby meeting when noted making late progress behind Sir Michael Stoute’s Abseil. He is a previous winner of the Listed Hambleton Stakes at York and should have everything in his favour on Saturday. Frankie Dettori takes the ride and he looks a good bet at around 5-1.
The 3.15 is a tricky little contest in which a case can be made for Lockwood, Fencing or Guest Of Honour. Lockwood did not really hit form until late summer last year but didn’t run badly at Haydock first time out. He has yet to win over a mile but there seems no reason why he won’t get it. Kieren Fallon did not cover himself in glory with his Derby and Oaks rides but can drive this one home ahead of the frustrating Fencing.
The six-furlong three-year-old handicap is the feature race and I make no apologies for picking two in this race! Ironically they are drawn 1 and 2 so I hope they can bounce out quickly and hold a good position.
Betimes is the John Gosden runner and he must hold her in high regard to have run her in the 1000 Guineas first time out. She got impeded soon after the start and was always too buzzy thereafter, weakening out of contention. She dropped back to six furlongs at Haydock and was restrained before running on late to finish second to Aeolus.
The other one I like is Charles Molson who got no run at all in a similarly competitive sprint at Newmarket. He finished full of running in fifth place and you’d have to give him an each-way chance here. Henry Candy is a fine trainer of sprinters and Fergus Sweeney can take advantage of his low draw.
Fury 2.40 York at 5-1 Coral
Lockwood 3.15 York at 7-2 Paddy Power
Charles Molson 3.50 York at 9-1 Bet365
Betimes 3.50 York at 11-1 BetVictor
