York 17th August

Just a short review of races I have had a look at.

1.45 York 5f

113 SIR GERRY

Conclusion(?); Unlike most horses running at York these have nearly all posted good figures at the track. Unfortunately, the one I fancy is not among the highest. The drop in trip down to 5 and a bit furs is not in my top rated's favour. it also looks like the pace is middle to high, and he is drawn low.

Therefore I am looking at those close up behind on my ratings. Not in ratings order, but the order in which I think they will go well:

JUDGE N' JURY - Ran a sound race at Epsom, will not mind the rain.

STRIKE UP THE BAND - Yet to strike top form but should go well.

SAUCY BROWN - Another who will appreciate the rain and has big chance on his Donny run.

2.50 YORK 12f

107 MIDAS TOUCH

Conclusion: Top rated, but not with one that should win this race. My feeling is that it is as good as he is, and there are plenty who can step up on what they have done so far. That includes the improving Harris Tweed surprisingly?

3.25 YORK 10f

128 RIP VAN WINKLE

Conclusion; No 'ifs, buts, or maybes' this time. Rip Van has the figures from last time out to see off this field comfortably. Any improvement will just make his task easier. Dick Turpin, Cavalryman, and Twice Over in that order should be the ones to follow him home.

RVW was close to his best behind Canford Cliffs, this time we should see the real deal?

4.05 YORK 6f Class 2 2yo Nursery(my favourite???)

weight adj:

92 BARISTA - Interesting, achieved the same rating in a C6 and in C2 race?

88 DA PONTE - Last time behind Byrony, Class 4

88 MAGIC STELLA - Behind Fifth Commandment, Class2

87 MADANY - Won Class 4 Nursery at Haydock in the soft.

87 MEANDMYSHADOW - Behind Geesala, Listed Class

84 REGAL APPROVAL - Beat Chevise at Epsom, Class 4

Conclusion; The top three have all got ratings behind horses, so despite the weight concession, they may still end up behind. Da Ponte is interesting, as he was only beaten a length and has only had 3 runs. Magic Stella was also not far back, but carried less weight than today, even allowing for the very good H.Bentley allowance. However, most are stepping up in class? Madany has been improving with every run and his rating gives him every chance. Meandmyshadow I find very interesting as he has been given plenty of time to recover from a poor run at Ascot. Prior to that he was improving with every race, and his Listed run gives her every chance. Finally, Regal Approval, who should be more at home on a level track. With only two runs behind him he should improve, but this is a step up in class and only in receipt of 8lbs from the top weight.

Therefore I would say that Madany is the one to beat, but Meandmyshadow is a good ew. Magic Stella is the best of the others, who all need to step up. However, the likely favourite, Jaahiz I have only on 78 despite his impressive course win.

Have a good day, Gerry