YORK RACES MAY 13th 2009

After recent results I suggest playing on the side of caution, but believe today's selections have the chance I have assessed for them!

YORK 1.40 ... ROAD TO LOVE
Mark Johnson's gelding has been contesting mostly Listed/Group company since 2006 and this is only his 2nd outing in a Handicap since winning at Goodwood off 3lb higher by 5 length that Year.
Was only seen once last season so presumably had problems, but should strip fitter this time and is now back below his last winning mark having been running off up to 12lb higher last season.
Has normally needed a run in the past, and wasn't beaten far considering that was his 1st run out of the season against rivals rated 10lb superior than him and could prove better than an 18/1 shot getting his preferred fast going and worthy of the chance to prove it with that run under the belt.
Joe Fanning one of the strongest in the weighing room and with a decent draw near the fence it should suit this confirmed front runner at a course that suits those ridden handily.

1/2 pt E/W @ 18/1 Skybet... 16/1 B.O.G. Stan James

minus 1 point

FULL RESULT>>


YORK 3.45 ... KINGSDALE ORION
Brian Ellison run 2 here and Overrule, ridden by Richard Hughes looks to have a chance on his win 1st time up at Catterick but he beat horses who are infrequent winners themselves and has only a maiden win 2 Yrs back before that.
His other charge Kingsdale Orion is the one who has been overlooked by the assessors in my opinion.
He looks to want soft going on past evidence yet he ran consistently well on faster ground when trained in Ireland.
Not forgetting he was an unfancied total outsider in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 2007 and was just getting the hang of things at the 6fl mark when the race was about over against horses rated 40lb better and upwards.
Okay, he hasn't progressed to the standards of the likes Duke Of Marmalade from that race but doesn't meet any of his Class here either.
He also ran well at Epsom last summer on good ground getting going all too late over 9fl and his recent effort behind Spring Jim, who he meets on 7lb better here gives encouragement he will stay this easy 12fl.
I was going to suggest a straight win here as I believe he can win this off 12lb lower than his best Irish rating as it doesn't look a strong race, but there is value in the 33/1 on offer.

1/2 pt E/W @ 33/1 is again the call.

minus 1 point

FULL RESULT>>


YORK 3.10 .... HITCHENS
Was running well against his elders last season and came back looking a stronger horse from the winter break to win by 3 lengths.
Connections must think he is worthy of his place having supplemented him for this, and with a 30% strike rate in all outings with all wins on gd/fm could easily follow up on his recent win over Knot In Wood.

1pt win @ 10/1 Ladbrokes ... 8/1 Generally

minus 1 point

FULL RESULT>>


EDIT 4.30 : Ones To Watch:

Fontwell 4.45 Finzi
Drops in class

York 4.55 Barwell Bridge
Gave it a favourable mention this week in another post but only twice been out the 1st 3 in 8 races.