Day Two of this fabulous Festival is Ladies Day and we bring out some of the best fillies and mares on four legs to the Knavesmire, as well as some on two.
1:55 Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes Cl2 6f
With twenty 2yo runners its a tough start at York again today but there appears to be little draw bias and so we will concentrate on those who look to have the most ability and could likely be expected to improve. It boils down to four Rainbow Mist for Anne Duffield whose York success over 5f in a C3 Hcp recorded a fine RPR and for whom this step up should suit. Stormy Clouds for Richard Hannon who has twice been second to Mrs Danvers who has excelled herself in the Super Sprint and then Listed company, Daniels Flyer for David Barron who looks a real improver waiting to happen and finally we have soft spot for Rusumaat, the Mark Johnston runner. Two against the field in this tricky pipe opener are
1 unit e/w Rainbow Mist @ 7/1 with Skybet
1 unit e/w Stormy Clouds @ 10/1 with Bet365
The Great Frankel
2:30 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) Cl1 6f
Two of the mighty Frankels, daughters turn out for this race and whilst Queen Kindly was only 3rd in the Albany and then hacked up as she should at Catterick she is no back number to her more fancied half sister Fair Eva, who does look the real deal after demolishing the field in the Princess Margaret for Roger Charlton. Nations Alexander has done nothing wrong in winning the Sweet Solera after finsishin 3rd behind Roly Poly the Aiden O’Brien filly and in front of Kilmah. The other interesting horse is Fashion Queen for whom David O’Meara must see a bright future to throw her in so deep so early in her career. Its a good contest but it’s hard to look past the favourite. She just might be the weeks banker.
4 units win Fair Eva @ 1/2 with Betfred
3:05 Clipper Logistics Stakes (Handicap) Cl2 1m
Always a strong handicap and there are four who stand out on paper. Red Napoleon might well be lurking in the handicap for his trainer Ralph Beckett who can do no wrong currently and needs to be watched in the betting. Keith Dalgelish’s Lat Hawill looked like his turn wasn’t far away after finishing a good 2nd at Haydock and its possible after running at 10f and then 7f that Birdman might be back to a winning mark over the trip which sees him operate at his optimum for David O’Meara. The final one is Mustashry for Sir Michael and this horses defeat of Pirouette recently was shown to be even better after that horse was narrowly beaten in listed company. This might look a very attractive mark by 3.10pm.
2 units e/w Mustashry @ 6/1 with Betfred
1 unit e/w Birdman @ 20/1 with Skybet
3:40 Darley Yorkshire Oaks (British Champions Series) (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) Cl1 1m4f
Seventh Heaven is the logical starting place after her recent Oaks victory in Ireland where she had three of these runners in behind, showing that her running at Epsom was all wrong and she will have to be at her best to lower the colours of Found who seems to have been on the go at the top level for quite a while against both sexes and only really giving best over shorter trips. Koora and Endless Time have place chances and are good fillies. For us the one they all have to beat is trained by the 9 times winner of this race, Sir Michael Stoute and its a horse who is peaking for this race, that being Queens Trust. Just in behind the brilliant Minding recently and a date with Frankel is on the cards if she wins this. Now there’s a thought! She is a big price in this race
2 units e/w Queens Trust @ 8/1 with Bet365
4:20 EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (Listed Race) (Fillies & Mares) Cl1 1m4f
We have it down to three in this race. Glamorous Approach, this daughter of New Approach for Jim Bolger who seems in and out but if “in” might be a handful, Tiptree for Luca Cumani who has a big future and if its not this race it will be soon and Abingdon, who we tipped up last time out and will definitely be ready for this race today, which we think was her intended target. It could be a big 45 minutes for Sir Michael
2 units win Abingdon @ 5/2 with Bet365
4:55 eventmasters.co.uk EBF Fillies´ Stakes (Handicap) Cl2 7f
Opal Tiara is a horse we have followed from her juvenile days. She has ability and Mick Channon will be keen on her chances, at a big price handicapping might prove to be her bag. Mark Johnston’s Hawtif has ability and after back to back wins its unlikely the improvement has stopped yet. This trip and course look ideal. Charles Hill’s Jadaayil comes here after a quite a break from that maiden victory at Newmarket but must be a big player and Mustique is very interesting at decent prices after a encouraging 2nd last time out.
