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Thin pickings for the layers at York
There was a subdued betting ring on the Knavesmire on Wednesday, but chatting to the on-course boys they were not too perturbed as it is traditionally a quiet a day.
All the action was in the in-running markets and backers of Mahsoob in the 888Sport Handicap would have had a wobble as he was out the back for much of the race and was matched at 1000 on Betfair.
Such was his strong run that all intentions and thoughts are of a possible tilt at the Coral-Eclipse, although John Gosden later suggested the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot was a more likely point of call.
Algar Lad, who is entered in the 2.10 at York on Thursday, actually landed the Infinity Tyres Stakes on Wednesday and will not now need to turn out again.
His trainer could win Thursday’s contest race with Out Do, a non-runner on Wednesday.
The punters on-course did not invest much in the Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes. And shrewd they were, as their decision was vindicated when 40-1 outsider Glass Office snatched the prize in a blanket finish.
There are huge discrepancies on his price for the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot next month with anywhere between 14-1 and 33-1 available.
He was another who hit massive prices in running, matched at 810, and many believe Muthmir was an eyecatcher. He is likely to appear on May 30, live on Racing UK at Haydock, a week after the Temple Stakes.
As for the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes, it just left me asking the bookmakers reps - have you shortened Legatissimo, the 1,000 Guineas winner?
It could be argued Star Of Seville had to inject a bit of pace when she did, but remember Together Forever was giving her 4lbs and it is Aidan O’Brien’s filly who has contracted in price for the Investec Oaks, more so than the winner Star Of Seville, who remained unchanged in most places.
I had one result on Wednesday and that was in the morning, when stopping at a major restaurant chain to see if they would do a takeaway cappuccino. They confirmed they would, and as it was “Wake Up Wednesday” it only costs 50p. That’s where the good run ended!
I’ve already written about the Dante Stakes in Wednesday’s column, and there is not much more to be said. I don’t fancy anything strongly, but the expectation and anticipation is huge, let’s hope a thriller plays out.
Fingers crossed on the PGA Tour as I’ve invested at Wells Fargo on Luke Gutherie, Kevin Kisner and Brian Harman.
Tanya Stevenson’s Thursday York tip:
4.20 York: Tendu at 5-4 with Ladbrokes
Tanya Stevenson’s Thursday York pointers:
2.10 York - Betfred 'Supports Jack Berry House' Stakes:
No favourite has won any of the seven runnings, although the market leader has managed two thirds and a second.
Both Monsieur Joe and Judge ‘n Jury have previously won the race.
The seven winners have all been drawn in single figures.
2.40 York - Betfred Middleton Stakes:
Six of the last ten favourites have won.
Sir Michael Stoute has won the race six times.
Nine of the last ten winners have come from the first two in the betting.
Seven of the last ten winners were trained in Newmarket.
Eight of the last ten winners finished no worse than third on their previous start.
Eight of the last ten winners finished ran in a Group race on their previous start.
3.15 York – Betfred Dante Stakes:
Aidan O’Brien has won the race on four occasions.
Four of the last ten winners had run in the Racing Post Trophy.
Seven of the last ten winners were making their seasonal debut.
Only one of the last ten winners had run in the 2000 Guineas.
Eight of the last ten winners had run no more than three times previously.
Five of the last ten had won on their most recent start.
Sixteen of the last 20 had finished first or second on their last start.
3.45 York - Betfred TV Hambleton Stakes:
Prince Of Johanne has not won in seven tries at York.
Seven of the last nine winners carried 9st or more.
Seven of the last nine winners came from the first four in the betting.
Eight last nine winners were single figure starting prices.
