He likes to be up with the pace so expect him to blast out from stall one and make all.
Wednesday's Duke Of York Stakes (3.10) looks a cracking renewal with lots in with chances, but the one I like most is the Barry Hills-trained EQUIANO, who can be backed at a standout 6/1 with Victor Chandler.
What makes him worth backing? Well, he's the best horse in the race according to the official ratings - he's rated 116 which is four clear of anything else - and his form is miles better than anything his rivals can muster. The colt, you may remember, just about made all the running to beat Takeover Target in last year's King Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot when trained by Spanish handler Mauricio Delcher Sanchez, and had previously chased home Marchand D'Or, who was later crowned European champion sprinter, in a Group 2 race in France.
His form tailed off a bit after that but he's since been switched to Hills, who has gone on record as saying he's a stronger and happier horse this season. Certainly, his reappearance run when narrowly beaten by Tax Free at Newmarket was a good one and he should be much better with that race under his belt, while he also ticks the going (expected to be suitably fast) and distance (5f is his optimum trip) boxes. He likes to be up with the pace so expect him to blast out from stall one - which always used to be a plum draw in sprints before the recent upgrade to the track - and make all.
The admirably consistent Tax Free (13/2 Stan James) can chase him home. He finished half a length in front of the selection at Newmarket but may have been better suited to that track and, while he's fully effective over 5f, I still think Equiano is the better horse of the two over it.
Earlier on the card, there are some nice fillies running in the Musidora Stakes (2.40), a traditional trial for the Epsom Oaks. High Heeled has been well-backed for that race in recent days, but she will only run if there's significant rain and, besides, she might not be good enough to beat ENTICEMENT. Michael Stoute's unbeaten filly certainly won't mind the quick ground and the form of her Listed race win at Newmarket is looking better all the time with the fourth, Midday, winning Lingfield's Oaks Trial last weekend.
That one is 7/1 for the fillies' classic with bet365, who quote Enticement at 10/1. Don't be surprised to see them flip flop in the betting after tomorrow's race.
Recommended Bets:
Equiano 2pts @ 6/1 Victor Chandler
Enticement 2pts @ best morning-line price
Enticement (Oaks) 1pt @ 10/1 bet365