York 13:40 5f Handicap (Class 2) 13th May 2010

JUDGE ‘N’ JURY
Highly capable on his day and often runs his race in these big sprint. Encouraging third on debut this season behind Blue Jack (Group placed since) offers hope. Hasn't always enjoyed this quick ground; but on winnable mark if handling it.       

JOHANNES
Rose up the handicap last season after winning four sprints in good style. All those wins came over 6f though and dropped back to five here; so ability taken on trust. Powerful stable here though and has course form. Contender    
SWISS FRANC
Top class at two but has lost way since. A couple of duck eggs recently do little to inspire confidence here in highly competitive heat and probably best to look elsewhere. Will appreciate the return to fast ground though.

LE TOREADOR
Always gives his best and starts the turf season on a stiff mark off the back of solid performances last term. Behind the smart Medicean Man latest in AW contest and career best needed today to land the spoils.       

REBEL DUKE
A couple of solid placed efforts on last two starts on turf means he comes here with every chance. Has the talented Barry McHugh in the saddle and Yorkshire trainer to get him ready. Possible place claims.       

FOL HOLLOW
Eyecatching start to the 2010 campaign has resulted in some unlucky defeats; most notably at Epsom. Dropped to 1lb below last winning mark and fine 3rd in similar contest here last Summer. Respected, but no wins in C2 company.

FATHOM FIVE
Often saves best for Epsom and showed liking for the place when winning on seasonal debut there once more. A 3lb hike doesn't look too hefty, but ground concerns a worry should it continue to dry out and flopped after winning debut last term.       

JACONET
Top drawer mare on the AW but falls just below that standard on the turf. Has won here before but remains 9lbs above last winning turf mark and could just find one or two too good again as a result.       

ISHETOO
Won here off 3lbs higher last May in similar contest and has smart apprentice on once more. Record in 5f G/F H'caps reads 11113 and loves York. Has to be respected despite poor start to the season for new trainer.       

TABARET
Versatile performer who has wins over 5f and 6f to his name. Tricky customer to predict though and decent victory on debut this term might be hard to follow up on in smart contest like this.       

RIEVAUX WORLD
Flying gelding who blazes the trial and has a second here over CD to his name last term. Blinkers fitted today in hope of reviving love for the game after string of bad efforts. Talented if back to best.       

HAMOODY
Ran no sort of race for new yard on debut, but he is better than that. Decent claimer takes over today and first try at 5f might suit. Probably best watched while he finds his feet; but should not be rank outsider of the field.

THE NIFTY FOX
Smart on his day, especially around his beloved Catterick, but faces a tough task today. Blown out of the water when upped to this class last backend and likely to play supporting cast at best here.       

RIVER FALCON
Hugely consistent sort who just went off the boil a bit last term. Not getting any younger, but had a string of placed efforts last Summer of 8lbs+ higher than todays mark. Fallon in plate and no forlorn hope.       

RUSSIAN SPIRIT
Highly talented filly who commands respect after being sent off favourite in hot contest at Doncaster in October. Struggled that day, but drop back to 5f sure to suit (One from one at distance) and Jarvis team flying.       

BERTOLIVER
Third in this very race two years ago off 11lbs higher and encouraging run at Epsom latest. Carson claims a valuable 3lbs today and likely to blaze from the gates in bid to make all. Chances.       

PEAK DISTRICT
Returning to the scene of his best ever races off a much lower mark. Reunited with Amy Ryan and plenty of hope to be taken from form last year. Cannot dismiss and large price for talent he has.       




A cracking sprint to start day two of the Dante meeting on the Knavesmire. There are a number in with chances as usual and three catch the eye. While not the most original choice, Russian Spirit (BP 6/1) looks a horse on the upgrade. She won here at York on her only try and the minimum trip and all her post race comments suggest this drop back will suit once more. She made a promising debut back this season and can make a bold bid to make it two from two over course and distance. The Fahey camp is always one to fear for these meetings and Johannes (BP 14/1) should give a good account. This quick ground looks ideal for him and he has run well first time up before. Ishetoo (BP 18/1) is another who cannot be ignored. His record in 5f G/F handicaps reads 11113 and his record at York reads 2340109. He will get the hectic pace he thrives on here today and is on a winnable mark.


SELECTIONS

Russian Spirit 2pts win @ 6/1
Johannes 1pt win @ 14/1
Ishetoo 1pt win @ 18/1