Postmodern to Master his rivals on the Knavesmire
WE Look north to York this Saturday, where there is a strong card of competitive action on the Knavesmire to get stuck into.
The Churchill Tyres Handicap (3.35pm) looks like it could be set up for the lightly raced Godolphin contender Man Of Vision.
Charlie Appleby’s three-year-old went down by only a neck on his handicap debut at Newmarket last month, and on the back of that effort he will likely start favourite.
Big sprint handicaps at York are never straightforward though, so I’d rather take him on at the prices.
There are two that look to he ahead of the handicapper that offer more value.
POSTMODERN, who is making his return to the track for the first time since March, is the first of those.
He clearly goes well when fresh, having won on debut at Yarmouth last season in impressive style, slamming his rivals by five lengths.
Following that he was sent off at 4/1 for the Coventry but didn’t make any impression, finishing in 11th place behind winner Gstaad.
He then wasn’t seen until January this year, when reappearing at Meydan. In Dubai he showed notable progression in three runs, including when just touched off on handicap debut last time.
Having been declared a non-runner on account of the soft conditions at Epsom last weekend, he should get a more favourable sound surface at York, where the going is currently good and the forecast seemingly settled through this week.
The Hamad Al Jehani stable have been in rich vein of form recently, operating at a 44% strike rate in the last fortnight, and Postmodern is worth chancing at 12/1.
A second dart to fire in the contest is Ed Walker’s HALLO SPACEBOY.
This son of the yard’s July Cup-winning Starman looks to have plenty of ability and be progressing nicely.
He caught the eye at Ascot last time, when narrowly run down in the closing stages by Secret Santa, with the pair pulling over three lengths clear of the third.
A five-pound rise in the weights for that is not ideal, but he may be progressive enough to overcome it.
The main worry is that he needs a few horses above him to come out to get a run, but if he sneaks in, we could be sitting on a good 10/1 ticket.
In the opening contest, the Queen Mother’s Cup Handicap (1.50pm) for lady amateur riders, MASTER VINTNER is a favourite that should be supported.
We were on Ralph Beckett’s charge in the November Handicap when he got stuck in the mud, but his last start when second at Kempton indicated that his time might be near.
Top amateur Serena Brotherton takes the ride, and the 9/4 currently on offer won’t be around for long.
At the prices, I have to give another chance to EPIC POET in the Listed Grand Cup Stakes (3.00pm).
David O’Meara’s seven-year-old has become a cliff horse this season, but a mile-and-three-quarters on good ground around York is his optimum.
Two starts back, he finished third to Rahiebb in Group Two company over this course and distance and now has his sights lowered.
He also gets weight from penalised favourite Al Qareem and will have the services of Ryan Moore in the saddle.
At 13/2, he’s an excellent each-way bet at a course he thrives at.
POINTERS SATURDAY
Master Vintner 1.50pm York
Epic Poet e/w 3.00pm York
Postmodern e/w 3.35pm York
Hallo Spaceboy e/w 3.35pm York