As most of you will know, I am a @unibetracing ambassdor and I will be writing daily blogs during the York Ebor Festival. Below are my thoughts on the horses heading to post on
Day 2
2:25 - Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes
I like this race as I’ve won it for the last two years and Dad saddled Elnawin to score in 2008, so we’ve got three runners this time in the hope we can maintain our good record!
He‘Zanarab (Ryan Moore)
He’s quite a precocious juvenile who won nicely on debut at Windsor, and things just didn’t seem to go his way at York after that, but he bounced back with a vengeance over course and distance last time to win when carrying a penalty. This is obviously a tough race, but he is a horse we like a lot and Ryan is obviously a very good jockey booking. We know he likes the course and while he’s got to defy another penalty, he’s a big strong horse so I see no reason why he won’t be bang there again.
Masaru (Tom Marquand)
He bolted up on debut at Windsor in a race that has worked out well, as the second and third came out and won afterwards. We thought he’d run well but I must admit he surprised us with just how well he did it, as I thought there would still be plenty to work on, in which case, he could be even better here. We’ve given him plenty of time to get over Windsor and he’s improved a lot physically. He’s a lovely mover who will relish this track where he can get into a nice rhythm and I fancy his chances quite a lot here. This is a valuable prize, and he’s not just here to make up the numbers.
Big Baby Bull (Harry Bentley)
He stepped up on his Doncaster debut to score at Brighton, despite not handling the course at all, so I think he’ll be much happier on this flatter track. He’s a tough little customer who has a big heart and has the profile of an improving horse who will be suited to a race of this nature. Harry Bentley won the Super Sprint for us on Ginger Nut and it would be some double if he could bag another big purse here. The horse is fit and well and ready to do himself justice.
Magical Wish (Andrea Atzeni)
We’ve always liked him, and I think a return to six furlongs and a fast pace will suit him really well, as will the return to turf. The blinkers are on to keep him sharp and Andrea Atzeni has a 20% strike rate for us this season. He’s an animal with a bright future and to be honest I can’t rule any of ours out in this.
4:50 – Fillies’ Handicap
Elysium Dream (Tom Marquand)
I love this filly, perhaps because I have a share in her with a great bunch of guys! But she’s been a real money spinner and I was glad to see her get her head back in front at Brighton last time. I’ve put the blinkers on, not because she’s not genuine, but just to try something different and help keep her travelling. She’s very experienced in races like this and is in great form at home. She is sure to run another sound race.
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