Sat 26th Aug 2023
1.50 York (6 runners)
Sky Bet And Symphony Group Strensall
Stakes (Group 3)
1m1f

Top 3 Contenders with pros & cons:

1. Nostrum:
   • Pros: High total and speed ratings, has won previously and had a notable performance at Newmarket.
   • Cons: Recently faced difficulties at Goodwood, suggesting ground condition sensitivity.
2. Jimi Hendrix (IRE):
   • Pros: Good rating, recent win at the Royal Hunt Cup, consistent form.
   • Cons: While the form is consistent, the competition in this race may be stiffer than previous races.
3. Spirit Dancer:
   • Pros: Consistent performances, with recent wins at this course and at Windsor.
   • Cons: This race is a step up in terms of competition, testing the horse’s true capabilities.

Summary:

Nostrum is the clear favourite, having strong speed and past success. Jimi Hendrix (IRE) is a consistent performer with a good recent win, while Spirit Dancer, though stepping up in competition, has shown promise with back-to-back victories. However, each horse has its vulnerabilities, with Nostrum’s recent struggle at Goodwood and Spirit Dancer facing tougher competition being notable.

Sat 26th Aug 2023
2.25 York (13 runners)
Sky Bet Melrose Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
1m6f

Top 3 Contenders with pros & cons

1. Lordship (GER)
   • Pros: Consistent performer, has a hat-trick of wins, race seems to be a target.
   • Cons: The competition may be stiffer here than in previous races.
2. Middle Earth
   • Pros: Showed strong potential and is expected to perform well with the longer trip.
   • Cons: Transition to handicapping might pose a challenge.
3. The Goat
   • Pros: Significant improvement in recent races, high jockey score.
   • Cons: Transition to a quicker surface might be challenging.

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Summary

“Lordship (GER)” is a strong contender due to consistent past performance and the yard’s history in this race. “Middle Earth” has shown potential and might benefit from the longer trip. “The Goat” has had a significant improvement recently but might face challenges with the change in surface. Based on the data and notes, these three horses seem to have the highest chances of performing well in the upcoming race.

Sat 26th Aug 2023
3.00 York (11 runners)
Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 2)
7f

Top 3 Contenders with Pros & Cons

1. Kinross
   • Pros: Proven record, won this race last season, in form with recent wins, top-rated horse in the lineup.
   • Cons: A favorite, so might not offer value for money in betting.
2. Sacred
   • Pros: Smart mare with good previous performances, came close at Royal Ascot.
   • Cons: Disappointed in this race last year, so there’s a question of consistency.
3. Al Suhail
   • Pros: Strong performances at Meydan, expected to benefit from the trip distance.
   • Cons: Was not up to the mark at Royal Ascot, hence might face challenges against top competition.

Summary

Kinross is the standout contender given his excellent form and proven record. Sacred and Al Suhail follow closely, with Sacred having shown great promise but needs to overcome last year’s disappointment, and Al Suhail potentially benefiting from the longer distance. It promises to be a competitive race, but Kinross, given the current form, remains the one to beat.

Sat 26th Aug 2023
3.35 York (22 runners)
Sky Bet Ebor Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
1m6f

This is a fiercely competitive race, and the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap is as always one of the summer highlights, here’s a breakdown of some of the key contenders:

1. Sweet William (IRE) – 4/1

• Pros: The highest-rated horse in the race. Has been in form recently, with good recent race ratings. Seems to have taken to blinkers quite well.
• Cons: As the favourite, there might not be as much value in the odds.

2. Live Your Dream (IRE) – 8/1

• Pros: Has been in good form and comes from a decent racing background. The recent win at the Newmarket July meeting is a positive sign.
• Cons: The 5 lb rise will demand an even better performance.

3. Hms President (IRE) – 16/1

• Pros: In excellent recent form, especially the close second at the Duke of Edinburgh at Royal Ascot. Good ratings in recent runs.
• Cons: Some might argue that he was more suited to soft ground when he won at Newmarket.

4. Scriptwriter (IRE) – 12/1

• Pros: Showed promise when just denied in a C&D Group 3 recently. Seems versatile both on Flat and over hurdles.
• Cons: Might find this competitive field a bit more challenging.

5. Get Shirty (IRE) – 25/1

• Pros: A proven horse in big handicaps like the Copper Horse and the Old Newton Cup. Back on a favorable mark which could mean he’s been aimed at this race for a while.
• Cons: Recent form in Britain is concerning.

When making a selection for a race like the Ebor Handicap, it’s crucial to consider multiple factors including ground conditions, jockey bookings, trainer form, and any market moves on the day of the race.

Predictive Analysis;
For win purposes, Sweet William (IRE) seems the one to beat given the recent form. However, for those looking for value, Hms President (IRE) and Get Shirty (IRE) are intriguing at bigger prices. Live Your Dream (IRE) and Scriptwriter (IRE) can’t be discounted either, and they seem to be in the mix.

Sat 26th Aug 2023
4.10 York (20 runners)
Sky Bet Constantine Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
6f

Top 3 Contenders with pros and cons:

1. Aberama Gold
   • Pros: Consistent high performance, recent successes, and strong last race performance.
   • Cons: Up 5lb in weights which could be a potential disadvantage.
2. Gale Force Maya
   • Pros: Proven track record at this specific course and distance, strong last race performance, and one of the top in data ratings.
   • Cons: Raced just 6 days ago, which might not give sufficient recovery time.
3. Summerghand (IRE)
   • Pros: Proven performer with a near-miss in the last race, previous significant race winner, and among the top in data ratings.
   • Cons: The consistent high performance might be balanced out by the weights or the competition.

In conclusion, while all three horses have their unique strengths, Aberama Gold seems to be on a rising trajectory, making him the most compelling contender. However, both Gale Force Maya and Summerghand (IRE) have proven track records, making this a closely contested race.

Sat 26th Aug 2023
4.45 York (11 runners)
Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed)
5f 

Top 3 Contenders with pros & cons:

1. Purosangue
   • Pros: Impressive racecourse debut, near-win in a Group 3 event, and highest LR rating.
   • Cons: Although it has strong recent performance, racing is unpredictable, lack of experience has to be factored in.
2. Mon Na Slieve (IRE)
   • Pros: Winning C&D debut, strong performance at Royal Ascot despite challenges, and top total rating.
   • Cons: The performance at Royal Ascot might have been affected by racing conditions; consistency in such events is key.
3. Alabama (IRE)
   • Pros: Consistently competitive, especially with notable performances at prestigious events like Royal Ascot.
   • Cons: Still searching for its maiden win which might indicate it struggles to clinch first place.

Summary: Purosangue, with an impressive racecourse debut and a near-win in a Group 3, sets a high standard. Mon Na Slieve, having won its C&D debut and performing commendably at Royal Ascot, holds potential. Alabama consistently shows promise but hasn’t secured a top spot yet. These three are the leading contenders, but as always in racing, there are no certainties.

Sat 26th Aug 2023
5.20 York (17 runners)
Sky Bet Finale Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
1m2½f

Top 3 Contenders with pros & cons

1. Haunted Dream (IRE)
   • Pros: Consistent performer and has been placing in strong turf handicaps. Enhanced performance at Chelmsford.
   • Cons: Has been given an extra 3lb following his second-place finish at Glorious Goodwood.
2. Astro King (IRE)
   • Pros: Near miss in the C&D John Smith’s Cup which indicates compatibility with the track and distance. High-profile jockey William Buick is booked.
   • Cons: Switched connections and there is no specific mention of recent form other than “performing well”.
3. Gaassee (IRE)
   • Pros: Has a winning history and his best performance came at a similar trip. Has a record of 2-3 around this distance.
   • Cons: Was disappointing in his last outing at Ascot.

Summary

Haunted Dream (IRE) seems to be a strong contender, given its consistent performance. Astro King (IRE) is also in the spotlight, especially with the booking of a reputable jockey. Gaassee (IRE), while having a strong data backing, needs to overcome its last disappointing performance. The race looks competitive, and the form of the horse combined with the jockey and track compatibility should play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Don’t forget a bad jockey, like a bad mouth, can get you into trouble but it won’t get you out.