Enable treated us to a great race yesterday and there could be similar scenes of celebration if Stradivarius lands back to back Lonsdale Cup’s and in the process scoops his second £1 million bonus. Gibbs Hill is the class act in the York handicap and if he can put his poor run in the Northumberland Plate behind, he can feature. I think Ten Sovereigns can outpoint Battaash in the Nunthorpe and Threat looks the one to beat in the Gimcrack.
York Handicap
A very open looking contest to open proceedings on day 3 of the York festival, where Jazeel looks most likely to start as favourite. Jedd O’Keeffe’s charge has been very consistent since joining the stable but was beaten comfortably at York off this mark two starts back and there could be more progressive types in the race.
Many punters just row in behind Frankie regardless of what he’s riding and he rides Corelli here, who’s lightly arced and just missed out at Newmarket most recently. He needs to find further improvement but that’s quite possible.
Gibbs Hill has to give weight away all round and was the subject of a monster ante-post gamble in the Northumberland Plate. He was ultimately disappointing when pulling up but if that run can be forgiven he should go close.
Ed Walker’s Caradoc is one pound well in here having won at Windsor earlier in the month. Oisin keeps the ride now and he should go close.
Selection: Gibbs Hill – E/W
Lonsdale Cup
All eyes will be on Stradivarius here as he bids for a second Stayers million. John Gosden’s charge is the star stayer in training and has beaten Dee Ex Bee the last two times they have met.
The unknown quantity in the race is the Dermot Weld trained Falcon Eight who’s yet to be out of the three in all five starts. The trip looks sure to suit again and I think he can upset the apple cart.
Selection: Falcon Eight
Gimcrack Stakes
Kevin Ryan has a great record in this race having won three of the last renewals of the race and he’s the logical starting point here. He runs three in this with Abstemious looking his best chance. He was a runaway winner on his second start over course and distance and could give his trainer another York winner.
Aidan runs Pistoletto who went unbeaten into the Anglesey and although he was disappointing, he could have needed the run and may improve further.
Threat is the one to beat here having just failed to land the Richmond and the Coventry. This is by far and away the strongest form on offer and he’s the class act.
Selection: Abstemious – E/W
Nunthorpe Stakes
Battaash on his day is the fastest horse in training but he doesn’t come without his frailties. Charlie Hills’ charge has disappointed on both his starts in this race and that’s enough for me to take him on.
The only viable option against him is the three-year-old Ten Sovereigns who was thought of as a miler at the start of the season but showed lots of speed to easily land the July Cup. He’s bred for this discipline and is a sprinter to follow.
Of the outsiders, Soldier’s Call who finished third in the King’s Stand can nick another place in a Group 1.
Selection: Ten Sovereigns
