One winner from three selections to start the Ebor festival makes it a little more than a break-even day.
Constitution River started the day with a poor performance based on what I was expecting. Both of the fancies didn't perform to market expectations, but it was a solid race on paper, with the majority being overlooked. Item made it 3/3 at York, and I think we saw Constitution River lacking gears at the elite level.
Small Fry showed that he was ahead of the handicapper after putting in some nice performances at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood without getting a win. He stretched clear, then the gap to the runner-up was reduced, but he was always in command.
Call Margot is a horse I can't be touching for a little while. She is a headcase, and doesn't know how to settle. I will die on the hill that she is a good sprinter and can land a nice pot or two, but the way she races, it makes it virtually impossible.
Sun Goddess EVS – York 2.25
I can't believe I'm tipping up an EVS favourite for a race of this nature, but when you realise the favourite is Sun Goddess, the odds seem far too good to be true.
I don't know the facts on Group 1 winners turning up in big Sales races, but I can't imagine it's frequent at all. Sun Goddess is clearly the best horse in the race, and on paper, Tokaido is the one horse who could rival her.
She was second at Royal Ascot, then won a Group 2 and then a Group 1 at the Curragh. Her latest start was worthy of an RPR of 112, and she beat the boys that day, which is always a good indicator of a well-above-average filly.
She was 5/4F to win the Group 1, yet she is EVS to win a sales race against a bunch of average-looking horses; it seems to be good to be true.
Woohoo 20/1 (EW, 5pl) – York 5.20
Jim Goldie's horses continue to fly under the radar at big meetings, and the number of times he goes close is very impressive. He went close at Glorious Goodwood with Woohoo, and this consistent mare has a string of runner-up finishes next to her name, which isn't ideal for winning purposes, but it definitely makes her an attractive EW bet.
This is another step up from her Goodwood run, but from a weight of 8st 2lbs, which is even lower as Lauren Young removes 5lbs, she could easily hit the frame once more.
Not only is she stepping up in grade, but she is going over seven furlongs for the first time. Her pedigree and running style give me hope that she'll be fine, and I'm willing to find out at odds of 22/1, especially with extra places on offer.
GambleAware