Always tricky these 5 1/2f races, do you go for the really fast 5f horses or the 6f horses hoping the fast pace will enable them to finish stronger. Had a good look yesterday and this am. Initially noticed that 2016 winner Boom the groom looks well in from 90 as was running off 102 when winning, but hasn't been in the same form recently but ran better lto at chelmsford, however Carrolls only recent winners have been at lowly Brighton, so on balance can probably only hope to run into a place with this horse. Another thing i noticed is that Midgeley has only 4 runners at the entire York meeting all running today, 3 in this race. He seems to target these big h'cap sprints with his better horses, won this race last year with Desert Ace, 4th with line of reason in 2016 3rd and 4th with his 2 runners in 2015. His Monsieur Joe won 3 C2 h'caps here and placed in a few more so i think a close inspection of his horses could pay dividends. Final Venture spent most of last season contesting listed and Group races rated 108-111 and has hardly had a break with his ventures to Meydan over the last 2 winters. Been given 2 months off since his last run and gets in here off 100. Ran here over 5fs in a G2 in May when 3rd behind Mr Lupton and El Astronaute and meets that horse on same terms. That was on Good ground but i think may be better on GF ground 4/8 wins and 2 very close 2nds. Has got a middle draw and although winners come from all over the track i tend to favour a lower draw on GF here. Line of reason is drawn in 2 and has a 6lbs pull with Tis marvellous on the Ascot 5f run but has 3 lengths to make up, but with what i consider a better draw could get placed. Tanasoq in great form earlier on from much lower marks has a lot to do at this level imo.
So Final Venture for me and a couple of place bets on BTG and LOR. Good luck whatever you back.
Looked at Gracious John but notice he hasn't won on GF ground, most of his turf wins have come on G/S, but appears to be well drawn and has the beating of line Of reason on Ascot Form, good luck.
Looked at Gracious John but notice he hasn't won on GF ground, most of his turf wins have come on G/S, but appears to be well drawn and has the beating of line Of reason on Ascot Form, good luck.
El Astronaute, drawn 18, be interesting where it goes in front, cannot see it lasting home though, Holmeswood in stall 15 needs a fast pace, could come late
El Astronaute, drawn 18, be interesting where it goes in front, cannot see it lasting home though, Holmeswood in stall 15 needs a fast pace, could come late
boom the groom finished last besides a tailed off one,anyone backing that horse and was put up by a national tipster last night lightfoot had done their money before a ball had been kicked
boom the groom finished last besides a tailed off one,anyone backing that horse and was put up by a national tipster last night lightfoot had done their money before a ball had been kicked
Spoof just ran up the backside of Final Venture about 150 yards out and had to reined back a touch, otherwise he’d have got placed. Definitely one to keep onside.
Spoof just ran up the backside of Final Venture about 150 yards out and had to reined back a touch, otherwise he’d have got placed.Definitely one to keep onside.