22/08/20 3:40 York - York Ebor System

 

 

1st Ghostwatch 10/1 - 65

2nd  Fujaira Prince 11/2 - 60

3rd Alright Sunshine 20/1 - 45

4th Verdana Blue 8/1 - 40

4th True Self 16/1 - 40

The top 2 are clear here, not by much though. 

Ghostwatch had a long time off after winning the Listed Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot (beating Enbihaar) Badly needed the run when reappearing at Newmarket in another Listed contest, and showed the benefit when dropping slightly in class to come 2nd next time out. This is going to be a tough race, but if he is back to his old form then he has a massive chance here. He won the Melrose here 2 years ago over C&D, going is perfect for him. And William's stats on him are 3, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 10, 2. Trainer and Jockey are in good form too.

Fujaira Prince runs well very fresh, so no surprise he hasnt been seen since winning at Ascot 66 days ago. he won that very easily so this should be no issue for him either., trip, course and going are all perfect for him. I can see why he is favourite. 3 of his 4 wins have come with breaks of 285 - 362 days though. I wonder if he is a fragile horse. Anyway, he has big claims here. 

Alright Sunshine will love this going, his stat on this ground is 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 8. The 8th was when he was beaten by Fujaira Prince at Ascot. He was well beaten and i dont know if there is any reason. I can see he has never had a real break and he has had 260 days offthen was seen just 11 days later, both were not his best runs. He may have needed them. Lots of assumptions. But what we do know is he stays, he wont mind any rain, and York shouldnt be an issue. I am not convinced he is as good as the first 2 though, but he could run into a place. 

Verdana Blue is such a tough mare. She ran a blinder to come 2nd in the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot and was only put up 2lb. Ryan rode her that day and takes the ride again. Ground is perfect, she wont want any rain though. Track should be fine and trainer and jockey are in great form so she should run her usual big race. 

True Self has come over for this, she has a tongue tie on for the first time. She came 6th here last year and is 2lb lower this year. However she is one that would probably prefer rain, but i think she will still run well. Will be interesting to see how this tongue tie works. Plus this is easier than her last few races. She stays, the course wont be an issue, and a typical Willie Mullins horse, she is tough. Yard are flying at the moment, but the fact Ryan is not on her, could be an indicator that Verdana Blue should run well.

A horse not named is Pondus, who is versatile ground wise, but step up in distance should suit. Watch out for him, the step up could bring more improvement

My Selection: Ghostwatch 10/1