York has been a bit of a drought so far, but our yankee strategy relies on winner clusters, so here’s hoping. In the interests of winners, we’ll skip the big sprint today, the Nunthorpe – we probably could go for the winner – Ten Sovereigns looks a worthy favourite, but we’ll probably instead enjoy a playful each way on the blaze-away 100/1 shot Ornate. Of course he doesn’t have the class, but front runners have prospered in the sprints here this week and you should snaffle any odds against this fella being clear at halfway. By full distance – maybe not – but we’ll get a run for our money – outside of the yankee!!
The Daily Yankee
NAP OF THE DAY: Edaraat, (1650 York), 2pts win, 9/2:
It takes a bit to shake us off Irv running at York, but Edaraat’s win at Redcar last time was a case of inking him into the notebook for a bigger day, and this is it. After three quiet maiden runs, he had won his first handicap at Kempton off 74 despite wandering badly. He was much better behaved at Redcar off 83, when travelling in style and quickening well to win by a misleading half length as he looked like he had a ton of improvement to come. The second has won since and they were miles ahead of the rest. This is a big step up of course, but there just looked like there was a huge engine in there last time, and we’d be disappointed if a mark of 89 turned out to be anywhere near his true capability.
Corelli, (1355 York), 13/2: another typically stacked York handicap comprising almost entirely exposed older horses. On exception might be John Gosden’s Corelli. He has just 8 runs, 2 of which have been in handicaps when runner up on seasonal debut to the classy Baghdad, and again last time when going down a short head by Ebor candidate Kelly’s Dino. He has edged up 5lbs in total for those displays, but he has looked like he needs a proper test at this distance, and this much bigger field should ensure a searching gallop. Frankie rides and he should go close.
Dee Ex Bee, (1425 York), 7/2: Ok so it flies in the face of all logic to suggest Stradivarius, unbeaten in 2 years, could get turned over here. That said there is a case to be made at these odds. Dee Ex Bee was beaten a length in the Ascot Gold Cup , and a neck in the Goodwood Cup. Unlike those events, Stradivarius shoulders a 3lb penalty here, theoretically that should make it very close indeed. In practice the Strad always wins, but to be fair to Dee Ex Bee, he has to be ridden with some restraint at Ascot given his first try at an extreme trip, and couldn’t lead at Goodwood as others went off so fast. In this 5 runner affair, and as the only likely pace-setter, De Sousa will get to pick his preferred tactical approach from the front, doesn’t need to conserve energy, and obviously doesn’t have too much to find. For sure Strad will probably win, but we’d say Dee Ex Bee should be nearer 2/1 and so has to be the bet at these prices.
Threat, (1500 York), 15/8: plenty of likely northern trained lightly raced 2yos here at fancy prices. Any could improve, but on bare form they have to. Threat has been runner up in the 17 runner Coventry at Royal Ascot, and also when favourite for the Richmond at Goodwood. It’s easy to think there could be one to beat him here, but that collective though has him trading near 2/1 and that starts to look a bargain. Has Oisin Murphy on board and comes form the yard who had the runaway winner of yesterday’s less prestigious 2yo prize. They should double up here.
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