Forecast rain sweet for Sugar and Kalpana
YORK is bracing itself for a potential deluge of overnight rain with torrential thunderstorms set to hit the Knavesmire.
The going had already changed to good, good-to-soft in places before racing began on Wednesday, so there is every chance conditions could get really tough if some forecasts are to be believed.
The feature contest on day two is the Group One Yorkshire Oaks (3.35pm) where we get to see how this year’s Classic generation match up against the elders.
One mare looks as if she will take all the beating and that’s KALPANA who will relish any rain and can be backed at 6/5 with bet365.
She brings by far the strongest form to the table, courtesy of her most recent victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
That was undoubtedly the best performance of her career to date, which features two Group One victories prior to that one, as well as several creditable performances at the level.
She’s a credit to her connections for her consistency, which has seen her finish out of the top three just once in 17 starts.
Seeing off the likes of Calandagan and Benvenuto Cellini most recently is top-class form, and she won’t have to hit that level to win here.
Last year’s winner MINNIE HAUK can bounce back from an abject performance last time.
The Aidan O’Brien filly looked one of the best around in her three-year-old campaign, landing both Classics before this contest and produced a huge run when second in the Arc.
She hasn’t quite kicked on this year but ran a near career best behind Ombudsman in the Prince of Wales’s over a trip that looks on the sharp side for her.
It might be wise to put a line through her performance in the King George last time, and if rediscovering her form she’s the main danger.
The pair look the obvious two for a Quinella with World Pool, but it may be worth adding pacemaker SUGAR ISLAND who may just be in the right spot out front at 150/1 with Paddy Power.
She will relish conditions if they get really bad and could easily hit the frame.
POINTERS THURSDAY
Kalpana 3.35pm York Ebor Festival
Sugar Island e/w 3.35pm York Ebor Festival
Kalpana, Minnie Hauk, Sugar Island
(Quinella) 3.35pm York Ebor Festival