Pace Angles & Draw Bias:
A strong pace is anticipated here, with multiple habitual or potential pace pressers: Sisyphean (6), Old Cock (13), Bullet Point (3) and Remmooz (11) all racing forward when conditions suit. That sets up well for late finishers drawn towards the middle-to-high numbers. Historically, the York 1m course has favoured middle draws in big-field handicaps—stalls 10–15 could prove ideal. Low draws can struggle if caught behind weakening rivals, especially with a solid early pace likely.
Strongest Contenders
Remmooz (Drawn 11) – Proven / Progressive
A progressive 3yo who ran well in the Jersey Stakes before beating older rivals on his first try at a mile in a valuable York handicap. Showed a potent change of gear under pressure and looks to have more to give, especially under similar conditions. Carries a handy 3yo weight allowance and is shaping as a Group horse in waiting.
Bullet Point (Drawn 3) – Progressive
Runner-up in both the Royal Hunt Cup and the Victoria Cup on opposite sides of the track—this colt has form with the best 7f/mile handicappers of the season. Races prominently, stays the trip well, and has tactical speed. Proven on this sort of going and represents a trainer who won this last year.
Myal (Drawn 16) – Proven / Resilient
Rock-solid this term, with two C&D wins and a further York place on his CV. Acts on any ground, sustains a strong gallop, and thrives in big fields. His Chester win ahead of Royal Hunt Cup winner Never So Brave reads very well.
Urban Lion (Drawn 18) – Promising / Unexposed
Only just behind Remmooz and Cerulean Bay at Ascot, with a slightly compromised run. His Royal Hunt Cup fifth was excellent, and he’s still lightly raced for a 4yo. Expected to go well again from a decent high draw with a strong pace to aim at.
Main Dangers
Apiarist (Drawn 7) – Progressive
Has been progressing throughout the season with big runs at Ascot and in Ireland. Has a solid turn of foot and does well in strongly-run races. Better suited by mile but fine at this trip off strong fractions.
Northern Express (Drawn 2) – Proven / Regular
Has run well in this very race previously and carries a strong York record. Tactically versatile but often needs things to fall right; draw is a small concern.
Aalto (Drawn 4) – Unpredictable / On a Going Day?
Hard to trust but highly capable when it clicks. His Bunbury Cup run was outstanding, but he bombed out next time. Must settle and find a rhythm—no margin for error.
Interesting Outsiders
Old Cock (Drawn 13) – Promising
Big, scopey type who wasn’t seen to best effect last time. Impressive winner here two starts ago and shaped as if more to come. Unexposed, respected.
Cerulean Bay (Drawn 17) – In Form
Improving through the ranks and was an excellent second at Ascot last time. Has course form and likes fast ground. High draw suits his late-running style.
Dutch Decoy (Drawn 10) – York Specialist
Won this in 2022 and back to form with wins at Newmarket. Needs everything to go right from midfield, but worth including in exotics.
Runner Scores & Suitability
- Remmooz – 9/10 – Very well suited; improving fast; track/trip ideal.
- Bullet Point – 8.5/10 – Ideal setup; trainer excels here.
- Urban Lion – 8/10 – Unexposed; well treated and improving.
- Myal – 8/10 – Loves York; versatile and reliable.
- Apiarist – 7.5/10 – Needs things to drop right; strong finisher.
- Old Cock – 7/10 – On the up; draw fine.
- Cerulean Bay – 7/10 – Hard to rule out; high draw helps.
- Northern Express – 6.5/10 – Reliable; vulnerable to improvers.
- Aalto – 6.5/10 – Hot/cold profile; not ruled out.
- La Trinidad – 6/10 – Has a win here; regressive pattern.
- Ancient Rome – 5.5/10 – Needs a revival; inconsistent this year.
- Julia Augusta – 5.5/10 – Limited at this trip; needs pace collapse.
- Dutch Decoy – 5.5/10 – Needs all favours; best at Newmarket.
- Leadman – 5/10 – Improving but might find this too hot.
- Mythical Guest – 4.5/10 – Flattered by some efforts.
- Duke’s Command – 4/10 – Out of depth; exposed.
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 (22 runners)
- Old Cock (Drawn 13) – Unexposed, improving, solid course run.
- Cerulean Bay (Drawn 17) – In-form and well drawn for closing style.
- Dutch Decoy (Drawn 10) – York specialist, needs luck but big price.
Private Tissue Estimate (Fair Odds)
- Remmooz – 4/1
- Bullet Point – 6/1
- Urban Lion – 7/1
- Myal – 8/1
- Apiarist – 10/1
- Old Cock – 12/1
- Cerulean Bay – 14/1
- Northern Express – 16/1
- Aalto – 16/1
- Dutch Decoy – 20/1
- Others – 25/1+
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary
A typically deep and competitive renewal, with a likely strong gallop favouring mid-to-late closers from middle/high draws. The 3yos receive handy weight-for-age concessions, and there’s significant upward potential in the profiles of Remmooz and Urban Lion, while Bullet Point brings the strongest handicap form in the book.
Smart Play
Win Selection: Remmooz – Group-class potential, ideal setup, rapid progress.
Each-Way Saver: Old Cock – Improver, well-handicapped, has shaped like more to come.
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