JACK MILNER on the York Dante meeting… WE shall leave the Derby and Oaks trials alone because they generally turn out to be messy affairs, with muddling paces, and often results that don’t bare a true reflection of the race. I much prefer the long distance races, especially around the likes of Pontefract, Doncaster and indeed York, where a nice flat track and long straight gives the horse every chance if good enough.
The mile-and-a-half handicap looks a cracker on Friday, and although I fancy both Martin Chuzzlewit, who ran well over course and distance here last year, and Sir John Hawkwood, who was impressive at Chester, I’ve turned to a trusty veteran. CRACKENTORP won here over course and distance last year on the back of a season opener, and can repeat the feat here once more. The eight year old ran in the Old Borough Cup and the Ebor on ground far too quick, and with heavy downpours on their way, the ground could come up perfect for the Tim Easterby charge. He is now only 1lb higher than when winning here last year, a nice bonus.
The Yorkshire Cup is another tremendous renewal once again. Joshua Tree won the Canadian International last year, and carries a penalty along with Irish Leger winner Royal Diamond. The Godolphin stalwart Cavalryman won the Dubai Gold Cup and has good form over course and distance, but may not get his favoued quick ground. Guarantee failed to settle last time out in the John Porter Stakes, but may be another proposition here with a run under his belt. He looks the main danger to SIR GRAHAM WADE who was incredibly progressive last year over the staying trips, and put in a terrific third last month to Estimate at Ascot under Kieren Fallon. She looks Gold Cup bound, and he showed last season that he gets better as the season progresses. It could be a day full of local connections in the York winners’ enclosure.
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SELECTIONS
2.15 York (Friday) – Crackentorp
2.45 York (Friday) – Sir Graham Wade
