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13:50 York
This looks typically competitive for a York sprint and the strong likelihood of there being at least two groups of horses further complicates matters. Looking at the draw for clues would usually be a sensible starting point but this too is unhelpful as the last dozen renewals have seen an equal number of winners being drawn in both single- and double-digit stalls.
Copper Knight loves it here and he landed this race last term after making most of the running. Six times a winner here, his mark of 100 can hardly be described as a gift but he has won off higher in the past and there is every chance he will make a good fist of under Sean Kirrane, who takes of a handy 3lbs.
Dakota Gold is another six-time course winner and another former winner of the race (Landed 2019 running) he arrives here on the back of two solid efforts and a return to this venue has to be seen as a significant positive. Still lurking on a dangerous mark and hailing from a yard firing, he must be very high on the list today and a seventh course victory could be forthcoming.
Dusky Lord made a winning reappearance at Newmarket and beat a very progrsssive horse (Rebel At Dawn) comfortably despite that horse having a significant fitness advantage. Best forgiven for flopping at Epsom, his last two efforts have been fine in the grand scheme of things although he has developed a rather frustrating habit of becoming outpaced, at critical stages of his races. Fitted with the first-time blinkers today, one suspects his connections believe he is keeping something to himself although despite that, he really ought to have this run to suit and respect is afforded.
Atalis Bay arrives here looking dangerously well handicapped and his last two efforts have been seriously undermined by his repeated failures to get a clear and clean run through. Drawn in stall three today, this looks a very chance for him to regain the winning thread and it must be remembered that he was a winner at Listed level last season.
Makanah doesn't win enough for a horse with such talent though he looks to have outstanding place prospects. Bond Chairman, Live In The Dream, Sunday Sovereign and Count D'orsay are others who could go well at decent odds but we shall split our vote between Dusky Lord and the very well handicapped Atalis Bay.
ATALIS BAY (E/W)
DUSKY LORD (E/W)
written by Chris Connolly 14:25 York
Local Dynasty tops the market following an impressive win on debut at Newmarket just under two weeks ago. Charlie Appleby’s son of Dubawi travelled smoothly throughout that contest and given that he holds Royal Lodge and Dewhurst entries, he’s the one to beat.
The twice-raced Mill Stream won on debut and wasn’t beaten far on his second racecourse appearance at HQ. He’s a half-brother to Group 2 Richmond Stakes winner Asymmetric so there could be more to come from Jane Chapple-Hyam’s charge.
Richard Hannon has yet to win the Acomb but has a big chance with the unbeaten Hectic. The well-entered son of Massat was well supported when winning on debut and should be on the premises.
Course and distance winner Shaquille wasn’t totally unsupported on debut last month and given the manner of his victory, we shouldn’t underestimate him.
HECTIC (E/W)
written by Peter Keogh
15:00 York
Secret State arrives here having won his last four, the latest two of which have come over the same trip as he encounters today. He beat the re-opposing Deauville Legend at Royal Ascot and his stable and jockey are in flying form so looks a worthy favourite.
Stablemate Walk Of Stars was only beaten a head by Deauville Legend when they met over a furlong further in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket last month and wouldn’t need to step forwards too much to bridge that gap. Interestingly, trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey James Doyle have teamed up to win two of the last five renewals of this race, both times on the stable supposed second string, so he looks the main threat to the favourite.
SECRET STATE (WIN)
written by Dean Kilbryde
15:35 York
A race that revolves around the unbeaten four year old colt that Is Baaeed. The five time Group 1 winner is the undisputed king of his generation over a mile, yet today sees a step in to the unknown as he takes on ten furlongs for the first time. Given his sire Sea The Stars was a multiple Group 1 winner over this trip and further, the breeding suggests that the step up won’t cause too many issues and despite the prohibitive odds he’s difficult to oppose.
Mishrif won this race last season, one of four prior victories over similar trips, so we know he has the stamina to see the race out. He’s the next best rated in the field and is proven over course and distance so if the favourite fails to stay then he looks the most likely to pick up the pieces.
BAAEED (WIN)
written by Dean Kilbryde
16:10 York
Master Milliner boasts an excellent record on the Knavesmire, with two wins and a second from three prior runs over track and trip, and arrives here in excellent form having posted back-to-back victories in July. A 5lbs rise for that effort makes things a little more difficult but there does look to be more to come so it’s difficult to see him finishing out of the frame.
Soapy Stevens is another who arrives in decent form, winning two of his last three including on only prior attempt over a two-mile trip. He wasn’t beaten far when fourth at Goodwood last time out and given he suffered at the start, being bumped on leaving the stalls and then racing keenly in the early stages, he deserves another chance especially now returning to this trip. He looks to hold a solid each way chance but at a slightly bigger price we are opting for Themaxwecan who won well over this trip under the guidance of Jamie Spencer last time out and with the partnership renewed looks to offer a little more value having been nudged up just 2lbs, meaning he’s still 4lbs below his best winning mark.
THEMAXWECAN (E/W)
written by Dean Kilbryde