Saber Strike 10/1 (4pl) – York 1.50
I get the feeling that this could last chance saloon for a lot of supporters of Saber Strike.
For a horse who had great whispers about him when he had a couple of runs, that he was a monster on the gallops and would be a monster sprinter, it hasn't worked out that way. He has looked every inch a middle-distance horse since being stepped up in grade, and they are going even further with him than they have before.
He takes an age to get rolling, so hopefully, this step up to 1m 1f will be what he wants. This is a tough race, and full of good horses, but he is 10/1, and I fancy taking that.
Poetic Sound 25/1 (6pl) – York 3.35
Ger Lyons has had success in this race with Mustajeer back in 2019, winning at 16/1. That same horse was fourth the year before, so Ger likes to send horses with good chances. From what I can see, he hasn't had a runner in the race since winning it.
The recent rain has to have come in time for Poetic Sound, who clearly appreciates ground which isn't rattling quick. He won a twelve-runner handicap at the Curragh on yielding ground, winning by over a length. He beat Emit that day, yet that horse is much shorter in the market.
If you go to 2024 and 2025, he showed a solid level of form. He was third to Kyprios at Navan, recording an RPR of 106. You probably can't read too much into that, but you can read into the ground being soft that day. The ground isn't as soft today, but it definitely makes him a contender at good odds.
Diego El Queso 9/2 (5pl) – York 5.20
We see it all the time in both racing codes that when the Irish come to town, they're not here just to take part. Diego El Queso is another Ger Lyons horse tipped up on today's Lucky 15, and if he can get a clear run, I think he has a superb chance.
He got a nightmare run at Goodwood last month, and with a clear run it would have been mightily interesting to see where he'd finish. In the end, he finished sixth, and considering they are back in the UK, I'm guessing they feel like he should have won.
He's 9/2, which is a little shorter than I'd like for an Each-Way Lucky 15, but I think his credentials for winning are there for all to see.
Lady Vivian 13/2 (3pl) – Chester 2.40
Lazy Griff is normally a consistent horse and has some solid form in his career to date. He was ahead of Lady Vivian when they last met, but my selection has course form, which can count for a lot around Chester.
I like betting on Ralph Beckett horses in the Class 1 races around Chester outside of their May meeting, as I think he does extremely well. This horse has improved steadily over the last twelve or so months, and last time out was a career best.
Hopefully, the return to Chester (her sole win on turf came at the track) and a slight drop in trip will be enough to swing things in her favour.
GambleAware