With Ivan Grozny ruled out of Saturday’s Ebor handicap it opens the door for a few of the other contenders – but I still think we’ll get an Irish-trained winner.
Tony Martin has pulled off a few coups in his time and when his number flashed up on my phone when I was riding I just said yes to whatever it was he wanted me to get on.
He has two runners in this with Heartbreak City and Quick Jack and the former is a real improver judged on his easy success at the Galway festival over hurdles. He won by 12 lengths over 10f at Cork in heavy ground last March and got a 15lb rise in the ratings. Even better, he won a 2m handicap at this Festival last year – although off a much lower mark.
The more it rains the better for him and Tony was very keen to book the excellent 5lb claimer Adam McNamara and that looks very significant.
Gallop over to all the latest odds on PP.com
Charlie Appleby’s Antiquarium picked Seamour’s pocket in the Northumberland Plate in June despite getting stopped so there should be more to come with a clear run.
But I’m sticking with Heartbreak City to win it with She Is No Lady and Antiquarium on the Knavesmire.
The Group 3 Strensall Stakes over a mile could see the Queen’s Diploma follow up a 10f win here last month after an earlier win here in May.
Later on the same card, Sir Michael Stoute’s horses are running well and he will be hoping Shraaoh can continue his good run of form by getting his head in front in the Melrose Stakes at 2.50pm.
Aidan O’Brien’s Kellstorm is very interesting as an each-way play and the form of his Naas second to Ebediyin has been boosted by the third-place Sword Fighter winning.
Sandown card
The Group 3 Atlanta Fillies Stakes at Sandown sees Persuasive return to action after winning at Royal Ascot. Frankie Dettori really rates this filly but he’s at York so Rob Havlin takes over. We’ve seen that he’s been a very able deputy this season.
Pirouette looks the danger as she will probably lead and may have the run of the race.
The 7f Solario Stakes at Sandown could see a surprise as Repton could be eclipsed by South Seas who has impressed me.