5.20 York – Sky Bet Nursery Handicap (Class 2, 6f)

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Race Title and Conditions + Pace Angles + Draw Angles:

5.20 York – Sky Bet Nursery Handicap (Class 2, 6f, Good to Firm, 2yo, £100,000 Total Race Value)
A valuable Class 2 nursery with a full field of 22, run over a quick 6f on York’s flat, galloping track.

Likely Pace Scenario: Strong pace expected. Several confirmed front-runners and prominent racers (Chairmanfourtimes, Rogue Supremacy, Dublin Bay, Saucy Jane) suggest a burn-up likely.

Draw Angles: High draws can be favoured on quick ground over 6f at York when there’s a strong gallop. With the stalls likely stand-side, high numbers (17-22) may get the best tow. Mid-to-high looks optimal.


Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders + Trends/Timeform Comments:

Strongest Contenders:

  • Old Is GoldProgressive. Comes into this off a career-best third in a strong Glorious Goodwood handicap. RPR 100 and clear finishing power suggest he’s thriving. Well-handled and lightly raced, the extra pace here is ideal. Big yard, strong jockey.
  • Rogue SupremacyProven & fast. Game win on nursery debut at Hamilton (RPR 98), and ran with credit in Group 3 last time. All-speed type, drawn well in 5, and versatile with ground. Trainer/jockey combo in top form.
  • First LegionProven class angle. Listed-placed and debut winner at York. 94 RPR over 5f but bred to thrive over 6f. Slight question on drop back from French listed run, but carries the class edge if not over the top.
  • Shaman ChampionImproving and well-handicapped. Huge run last time (RPR 100), travelled sweetly, and still looks to be progressing. Moore booked, drawn 16, and nicely weighted. Solid profile.

Main Dangers:

  • AmorimClassy type with upside. Wide-drawn (19), but on the upgrade and will appreciate a strong 6f. 500k gns yearling, Listed-placed, and only going one way.
  • Temple Of AthenaDark horse. Fast finish in strong Goodwood race (RPR 104), and bred for 6f+. Looks the most progressive filly in the field, though a wide draw in 7 isn’t ideal with her late kick.
  • Blue OrbitSolid. Unlucky last time and has already shown Listed-level ability (RPR 99). Can make use of draw in 1 if pace collapses.

Interesting Outsiders:

  • Dublin BayHot streak. Improving rapidly since handicapping, with back-to-back wins. Drawn 6, could get a good stalking trip. May still be ahead of the assessor off 73.
  • ChairmanfourtimesHard to assess. Visually impressive when eased down latest, and likely better than bare form. Drawn 9, could go forward, which is risky with pace on.
  • River SpeyUnexposed. Big price improver last time (RPR 97) after being gelded. Drawn 21 is a major plus.
  • A’Ali GSolid recent win. Gelded and thriving, now with two wins. Game profile and still fairly weighted off 76.

Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:

  • Old Is Gold: 9/10 – Proven stamina/speed balance, thriving in top company, well-suited.
  • Rogue Supremacy: 8.5/10 – Solid mark, drawn well, pace pressure a concern but handles it.
  • Shaman Champion: 8.5/10 – Excellent recent run, primed for this, Moore a big booking.
  • First Legion: 8/10 – Best form in field; draw is a question and might want 7f.
  • Temple Of Athena: 8/10 – Strong closer, huge upside, top mark RPR-wise, needs luck.
  • Amorim: 7.5/10 – Lightly raced and well-bred; needs to prove he handles the cauldron.
  • Blue Orbit: 7.5/10 – Consistent and can pounce from low draw; form has depth.
  • Dublin Bay: 7/10 – Fit and in-form; up in class but deserves a shot.
  • River Spey: 7/10 – Interesting improver; late developer; might outrun odds.
  • Chairmanfourtimes: 6.5/10 – Quirky but talented; draw neutral.
  • A’Ali G: 6.5/10 – Game and genuine; may find others too classy.
  • Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
  • Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.

Each-Way Angles:

With 22 runners, plenty of each-way scope.

  • Shaman Champion (draw 16) – upward trajectory, strong finish, Moore booked.
  • River Spey (draw 21) – late-improver, well-drawn for pace collapse.
  • Dublin Bay – on a roll; drawn low but could sneak a place if pace holds up near side.

Private Tissue Estimate (Horserace Analysis Main Odds):

  • Old Is Gold – 4/1
  • Rogue Supremacy – 6/1
  • Shaman Champion – 7/1
  • First Legion – 15/2
  • Temple Of Athena – 8/1
  • Amorim – 9/1
  • Blue Orbit – 12/1
  • River Spey – 14/1
  • Dublin Bay – 14/1
  • Chairmanfourtimes – 16/1
  • A’Ali G – 18/1
  • Others – 20/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):

An ultra-competitive nursery with a genuine Group-level class angle in Old Is Gold, who’s been mixing it in high-quality contests and has the profile of a late-season 2yo handicap winner. Rogue Supremacy and Shaman Champion bring pace and tactical flexibility. Temple Of Athena is the biggest improver on paper, while River Spey has a late surge and is drawn to swoop.


Smart Play:

  • Win Bet: Old Is Gold – class, form, and pace setup all point to a major run.
  • Each-Way Saver: Shaman Champion – peaking at the right time, strong closing style, Moore booked.

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