Ryan Moore couldn't avoid the trouble in running on Redorange, who probably would've been top 2/3 at the very worst.
The horse was positioned in last place, which is never ideal in a big field sprint. He kept finding trouble after trouble, and the horse ran on strongly, still on the bridle.
Revival Power drifted out to 9/1, which obviously meant that she was not going to be winning, and she went backwards very quickly. Knowing your fate before the race has started is always a sickener.
Sea Force was atrocious. Not sure why he ran so badly, but it was too bad to be true.
I am fully aware that the form over the last couple of months has been rotten. I'm trying my hardest to turn it around. We've been unlucky a fair few times with poor rides not helping, but it's racing and can't be helped.
Ormolulu 18/1 (0.75pt EW, 6pl) – York 1.45
After the first two days at York, it has been shown that having course form is a big help, and that's the reason why I've decided to give Ormolulu a chance.
He ran at this track on four occasions last year. He didn't manage to get a win, but did run well on two occasions, and on the other runs, he was blocked on multiple occasions. In the races he got blocked, he was travelling well, and he was an eyecatcher. With the way he runs from the rear, we're going to need luck in running, but with how they have fanned out up the home straight, that should give us a chance.
His best form has come over 6f, but the way he stays on suggests the 7f will be what he wants, and it all comes down to whether Tom Marquand can find the gaps.
His form from his better runs at this track reads well, so I'm expecting a solid performance.
Regal Ulixes 17/2 (0.5pt EW, 5pl) – York 2.55
Due to the nature of how Regal Ulixes is ridden, he often finds himself in a lot of trouble. Normally, that would be a concern, but with how they have been riding at York, I think there is opportunities for hold-up horses to get a run, as they spread across the track.
I think the main pieces of form to focus on are from his first three races. He beat King Of Cities, who has since become a 110-rated horse and a consistent Class 1 level performer, and the win over Daiquiri Bay looks strong from his third run.
We haven't seen this horse at this track, but based on his wins at Doncaster and Newbury, there's plenty of encouragement that he likes flat, galloping tracks.
The yard has been in good form all week, and PJ McDonald gets a nice chance at a big meeting as Oisin has opted for rides at Newmarket.
Call Margot 20/1 (0.5pt EW, 5pl) – York 4.40
Gemma Tutty will hopefully have a very good Friday, as I like Call Margot, who is my second selection from the yard.
I believe that in the sprinting division, you can take a chance on horses stepping up in grade, which is why I'm not fussed about Call Margot. My selection won a Class 5 at Southwell, but if you watch the race back, she did extremely well to win, and win with plenty to spare.
Naana's Shadow was in that race and also didn't find much racing room, but that horse has since won next time out in an easy fashion. What would have happened if they both got a clear passage, I'm not sure, but I thought it was interesting that Katie Scott sends her horse for this race as well.
GambleAware