Friday 19th May

[Devasteve]

York proving as difficult as always, but maybe today a chance to avoid being totally yorked on the opening meeting there I thought. However, I now find my selection is likely to start at too short a price for me!

York 16.05 Cl2 Hcap 311 (103) 12f sf – 9 Run (8 at best)

Last year – 311 (108) gd/fm 10 ran
Barsanti 15/8 F 4-8-12 (96) Dr 6 by 2l from Oasis Fantasy 11/2 5-8-11 (95) Dr 10

Fidaawy 4-9-6 (99) Dr 2 N/R
29 Apr Cl 3 Hcap (80) 10f gd/fm Donc 2/1 F 0.5 1/8 off 94
made all, hard driven over 1f out, ran on strongly
Won twice as a 3yo, although below par on sf on final start at Salisbury in September; had no problems making all in a first-time hood on his return at Doncaster last month with Ashkoul (-2) back in 3rd; raised 5lbs for that and is up in both class and distance.
Plus: trainer (14d); trainer (C); recent form run (20 days);
Minus: class; going; distance (?); course (?); up 5lbs; up in class; up in trip;
Verdict: obviously still improving, but questions to answer today and not the strongest contender.
Gibbs Hill 4-9-1 (94) Dr 1
29 Apr Cl 3 Hcap (70) 12f AW Wolv 13/8 2.5 1/6 off 85
held up in touch, wide into straight, smooth headway over 1f out, led going well inside final furlong, soon clear, very easily
Got off the mark on 4th start over 10f on sf at Sandown last July and has no problems winning a Cl 3 over 12f at Wolverhampton on his return last month; has been raised 9lbs for that but should have no problems with the conditions and still improving.
Plus: going (W); distance (W); trainer (C); recent form run (20 days); recent form run (20 days);
Minus: class (?); course (?); up 9lbs; up in class;
Verdict: another very much improving and a strong contender.
Ashkoul 4-8-13 (92) Dr 9
29 Apr Cl 3 Hcap (80) 10f gd/fm Donc 33/1 2.75l 3/8 off 92
mid-division, headway over 3f out, chased leader over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
Twice a winner in France as a 3yo, but has something to find with Fidaawy on Doncaster running last month on second start for new yard, although he is 5lbs better off today.
Plus: going; trainer (14d); recent form run (20 days);
Minus: class; distance; course (?); up in class; up in distance;
Verdict: could well be more to come, but see no reason to reverse Doncaster running with Fidaawy.
Burguillos 4-8-11 (90) Dr 4
09 May Cl 4 Hcap (50) 10f gd/fm Leic 7/4 F 1.5l 1/6 off 84
in touch in 4th, headway over 1f out, led entering final furlong, kept on well
Took his time to get off the mark before winning a Salisbury mdn on gd/sf last September; gelded between the seasons and was a smooth winner at Leicester on his return earlier in the month; carries a 6lbs penalty for that, but should have no trouble stepping up in trip and there should be more to come; Moore takes the ride on this rather than on Fidaawy.
Plus: trainer (14d); trainer (C); recent form run (10 days);
Minus: class; distance; course (?); 6lbs penalty; up 2 classes;
Verdict: could well be more to come this season and a contender under his penalty.

It doesn’t look as if there will be a lot of value here, especially with the obligatory N/R removing one of my shortlist. That being the case, Gibbs Hill still seems to be the most likely although offering no value and too short for me, while I guess Burguillos should finish ahead of Ashkoul. No interest from me then as I start the year at York 0/2!