The opening day of the 4 day Ebor Festival at York has some high class racing with the Group 1 Juddmonte International & the Group 2 Great Voltigeur the undoubted highlights.
The Juddmonte is a tough race to get involved in with Barney Roy, Ulysses and Churchill all potential favourites. It’s probably best to side with Ulysses if you must get involved but it’s a no bet for us.
The Great Voltigeur is equally tough with Cracksman a worthy favourite but definitely vulnerable at odds on. Mirage Dancer is a definite improver whilst Venice Beach is the pick of the O’Brien trio and both could be each way alternatives.
There’s only 1 race to interest us from a betting perspective and that’s the opener.
[the_ad_group id=”3624″]
1.55 York
A 20 runner sprint handicap that looks a very tough puzzle. This is no race to be taking short prices as, on paper, most of the 20 have a chance. We are taking 2, seeking out the best bets from the fancy prices.
Line of Reason is our first bet and is drawn low in stall 3 alongside 2 trailblazers. That’s a perfect draw for one that likes to come from off the pace as he’ll get a good tow into this. He has been in fine fettle this term having won 2 of his last 4 in this class, including one off just 3lb lower than today’s mark. He also finished 4th in this race last year off a mark 2lb higher than this. In his last 2 runs, he’s once been stepped up to Group company whilst last time he was hampered at a crucial point and would surely have finished closer but for that. A more conventional track will suit and he goes well for today’s jockey so 20/1 is a more than fair price.
Watchable is our 2nd bet and whilst appearing to be the stable’s 3rd string, his chance has been underestimated. He may only have won 2 of his 36 starts but he’s plied his trade in the very top company. 3 starts ago, the last time he raced here, he finished 3rd of 18 and had a few of today’s rivals behind yet is trading at the longest price. He followed it up with a 4th at Epsom where the last half furlong saw his lose 3 places. A drop in trip will suit. He’s unlikely to mind any rain and is drawn on the opposite side of the track in 20 of 20. Another big price that is hard to ignore.
Tips
Back Line of Reason (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 21.00 with Boylesports (¼ odds 1-4 BOG)
Back it here:
Back Watchable (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 29.00 with Bet365 (¼ odds 1-4 BOG)
Back it here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2017
