YORK

2:40 EMIRATES AIRLINE YORKSHIRE CUP (GROUP 2) (CLASS 1) (4yo+) 1m6f

ALFIE FITS 8-12 ~ Probably wise not to read too much into the horses’ proximity behind Yeats last time out given the Ballydoyle colt was badly in need of the run. It was still an encouraging race and Alan Swinbanks 6yo gelding is likely to improve for the run. He showed last season that he is consistent and he is sure to run his race. However he is likely to struggle in this company so is ruled out.

GEORDIELAND 8-12 ~ More than capable on his day but he is a quirky individual who finds next to nothing off the bridle. He travelled with his usual zest in last years renewal of this race but found nothing once he hit the front and found Sergeant Cecil too strong. He is yet to win a race since coming over from France and he is sure to find at least one or two too good in the final furlong.

HONOLULU 8-12 ~ He emerged from the Ebor as the best horse in the race given his age and weight. He finished less than a length behind Purple Moon and that rival went on to finish a close 2nd in the Melbourne Cup. Honolulu started favourite for the St Leger next time out and ran a fine race to finish 3rd behind Lucarno. That proved he stays the trip and is equally effective on fast ground. In fact it appears he is a better performer over 1½ miles so todays conditions look tailor made for the Ballydoyle colt. This is his first run of the season though so he could be in need of the run but he looked last year that he would improve with time. He could be even better this year and the fact he has been kept in training suggests connections expect him to build on anything he did last season.

ROYAL AND REGAL 8-12 ~ With Andre Fabre last season and he progressed well during the season to win the Group 3 Jockey Club Cup on his last final run last year. He switched to Michael Jarvis’ yard at the end of last season and he made a winning debut for new connections when victorious in the Group 3 John Porter Stakes at Newbury on his reappearance. He is sure to come on for that run and as a progressive horse he could be a standing dish in top staying events this season. Proven to be equally effective between 1½ to 2 miles so todays trip shouldn’t be a concern. Fast ground is an unknown so it has to be a concern but if handling the surface he is sure to be there at the finish.

SAMUEL 8-12 ~ Still a maiden after 6 runs but he should have little problem if stepped down into maiden company. He finished placed in two Listed events before lining up in the Group 1 St Leger. He was comfortably beaten in the Classic and has plenty to find with Honolulu. This is his first run of the season so he is sure to come on for the run and a step down in class should be more prudent as he looks outclassed.

SERGEANT CECIL 8-12 ~ Has looked regressive since winning this race last year and now aged 9 his best days could be behind him. He was said to be in need of the run when running at Newbury last time but he was the first horse beaten so it was still disappointing effort. Rod Millmans stable star has a fine course record with 4 wins and a second in 6 starts here at York and conditions look ideal so the horse should have no excuses. If recapturing his form in this race last year then he is sure to be involved in the finish but whether he will or not is another question.

YOUNG MICK 8-12 ~ Finished 3rd in the 2006 Ebor but on todays level weights he wouldn’t be sure to confirm form with Geordieland (4th). That was a far weaker renewal of the big handicap compared with last years renewal when Honolulu finished 2nd. The horse has also lost his form in the intervening period and needs to bounce back to his best just to get competitive. Plenty of reasons to be put off but train has spoken about him in glowing terms so chance he could be back to his best but that probably still wouldn’t be enough.

VEENWOUDEN 8-9 ~ Went from being a 72 rated filly to a 106 rated performer after making considerable improvement at the end of last season. Finished 3rd in a fair Listed even at 100/1 but proved that was no fluke when again finishing 3rd in the Group 3 Jockey Club Cup behind Royal and Regal. She made a seriously disappointing reappearance at Nottingham last month so it could be that she will again improve as the season develops. However that is mere speculation and if she can bounce back to the form she was in when chasing home Royal And Regal then she could be in with a shout of placing. Given how well she finishes her races though she will need a decent pace over todays trip and with no likely pace angle in the race she is sure to be taken off her feet in this company. One to look out of dropped in class and over further latter on in the season.

CONCLUSION

With no certain pace setter in the race then it could be a tactical affair. Given that front runners don’t normally stop too quickly at York it might be pinched by the smartest jockey on the day. Honolulu is the class act in the race and he should have enough pace to get him out of any trouble should any arise. His price isn’t very tempting though first time out and a chance is taken on Royal And Regal despite the concerns regarding the ground. The watering might have removed any jar from the ground and there is nothing to suggest he won’t handle the faster ground. He likes to race prominently so will be in the perfect position and he looks a progressive individual. Also on a form line through Zaham he has the beating of the favourite, although only slightly.

1pt WIN – ROYAL AND REGAL @ 10/3

RESULT

ROYAL AND REGAL 2nd = -1pt