No easy way out of York mire as stars gear up for International showdown
No specific systems for the Ebor at York this week.
While Glorious Goodwood pitched up the opportunity to plunge in with Mark Johnston, recent research tells us there is no simple formula to crack the Knavesmire spectacular.
This week it’s about conviction in your own punting because it’s a tough old few days, especially if the ground goes softish.
Of course, the Yorkshire- based boys and those in the north will have a strong hand.
But it was noticeable that William Haggas had f ive winners at the meeting last year and he hardly wanders around wearing a flat cap.
It’ll still be great, although not as great as the time when one of the boys who will stay unnamed ended up in a hot tub at a York mansion with an agony aunt.
Seeing Coral- Ecl ipse winner Hawkbill added to the entries to join Postponed in the International is exciting and so is the confirmation that Willie Mullins is sending over Ivan Grozny for Saturday’s Ebor.
Ante-post favourite for Europe’s richest Flat handicap, Andrea and Graham Wylie’s gelding tuned up for the £280,000 event by absolutely hosing up at the Galway Festival.
Mullins might also send Simenon but the 8-1 about Ivan looks an each-way steal.
Richard Fahey believes there is little to choose between Ribchester and Galileo Gold as the pair get set to clash today at Deauville. The Irishman is raring to have another go at the Guineas winner and has a short-head to find after their runs in the Sussex at Goodwood.
Hugo Palmer’s beast has been impressive this term but Ribchester might just get this one and is worth a bet at 5-2.
Paul Carberry’s retirement had everyone dishing out their tributes. A brilliant horseman and a real character, the Irishman had the lot.
He could drive you nuts but, when he got it right, it was breathtaking. My favourite was when he gave me one of my first Cheltenham winners in 2002 aboard Frenchman’s Creek. It was a Carberry classic. Patient, stalking and calculated.
Sometimes he overdid it, but when it came off, it was beautiful.
Excited about next Sunday with the news Wesley Ward is sending Lady Aurelia over for a battle with Caravaggio in the Prix Morny.
Ward deserves all the plaudits. The American dodges no clash and has no concerns about bringing his horses to Europe on a regular basis.
He’s lit up Royal Ascot in the past and he’ll do the same in France next week with the Good Lady.
While there is plenty going on next week, nobody is giving free entry except Ayr tomorrow night as the meeting is backed by the Scottish Bookmakers Association.
Initiatives like this are vital to keep punters going to the tracks and let’s hope Ayr and the layers get the crowd they deserve if the rain stays away from the Craigie venue.
With Hamilton on Thursday night and Perth next Saturday, it promises to be an enjoyable week.