His trainer excels with slow maturing types like him and he has won first time out in each of the past two seasons so fitness is not expected to be a problem.
Like locating honest MP's, I've found winner-finding tough at York this week but have kept all my receipts so perhaps I'll get my 'expenses' reimbursed. If not, I might lose my second home to Ladbrokes, William Hill or Coral - form an orderly line please.
However, in true bettingpro style, I'm not going to let a few losers get me down and I'm hoping to recoup some of my losses by backing ASK in the Yorkshire Cup (2.40).
Sir Michael Stoute's six-year-old looks the class act in this race based on what he has achieved on the racetrack. Having won the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes on his reapearance last season, he ran the race of his life when under four-lengths sixth of 16 to Zarkava in the Arc in October. As a three-year-old, he landed the Melrose Handicap at York and was a fine fourth in the St Leger. The following year, he won the Ormonde Stakes at Chester over the extended 1m5f, so we know he's got the necessary stamina for this 1m6f trip.
His trainer excels with slow maturing types like him and he has won first time out in each of the past two seasons so fitness is not expected to be a problem. Futhermore, he's been the subject of some very favourable gallop reports this spring, so what's not to like?
Well, his current price of 11/4 (William Hill) could be bigger I suppose, but I'll take a winner at any price right now. The progressive Veracity is the one for forecast backers.
The rest of the York card looks virtually impossible so keep your stakes small or save your bucks for the more punter friendly-looking card at Newbury - see below for my hot tip. That said, I can't resist a few quid on Henry Cecil's WALKING TALKING in the Jorvik Heritage Handicap (2.10).
Like Ask, he too has been noted working well on the Newmarket gallops and he should strip a lot fitter for his reappearance run at Newbury. That was a Group 3 so this race represents a drop in grade and he should be suited by the galloping nature of the track. Furthermore, his trainer could not have his horses in ruder health, as his treble last Saturday proved. Back him at 10/1 with those nice people at bet365 who, should he win, will give you a free bet to the same stake on the Yorkshire Cup courtesy of their Channel 4 offer.
Staying with Cecil, his APPLE CHARLOTTE in the 2.50 race at Newbury is not to be missed.
Recommended Bets:
Ask 4pts @ 11/4 William Hill
Walking Talking 1pt each way @ 10/1 bet365
Apple Charlotte (2.50 Newbury) 2pts @ best morning-line price