York 13:50
It’s not very often David Evans gets to take on the big boys, but in 2-year-old Good Vibes he has a very talented runner indeed.
She put up a good performance on debut at Newmarket considering she was very slowly away and didn’t need to improve to win at Salisbury from Exclusively, a highly talented runner from the Archie Watson Academy.
She’s going to be double digits (currently 12/1) and rates an each-way play.
Newbury 14:10
Fille de Reve was very much on the improve before that run came to an end on her last start when a well punted favourite at Newmarket. For whatever reason she just never turned up.
Given a break after that it’s the quote from her trainer that sticks in my mind: “We will be looking for black type.” They obviously rate her better than the handicapper and this is a stepping stone.
York 14:25
Twist n Shake looked destined for much better things went bolting up at Nottingham last time by a long looking seven lengths.
Admittedly, that came under soft conditions but she had already proven herself on a faster turf surface. She had been looked after by the excellent Luca Cumani before his retirement so we know she had a perfect grounding. That patience can pay off.
York 15:00
Everybody loves a champion and Stradivarius managed to bag the million pound bonus last season.
It’s not just his raw ability; it’s the fact he has a beautiful temperament and that, added to a formidable trainer and jockey, makes for a wonderful combination.
He’s going to be short but should take an awful lot of beating.
York 15:35
It seems a long time ago now that Uae Prince was touted as a one-time Derby contender.
He has all the ability in the world but he’s obviously fragile as we haven’t seen him on too many occasions considering he is starting out in his six year old campaign.
He is still regarded as much better than handicapper and with the team red hot at the moment he is a solid favourite.
Find the full cards from York and Newbury over at paddypower.com