Madera and Man the Ones for opening York sprint
YORK’s big four days are upon us with the Ebor Festival, and the action kicks off with a typically tricky sprint, the Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Handicap (1.50pm).
22 runners go to post ready to dash over the fast five furlongs, and I think I’ve found an interesting way into the race.
With these races, the draw is obviously important but also where the pace in the race is drawn plays a big factor.
Historically, it’s a benefit to be drawn low in this race, on the far side of the track, and this contest sees many of the fancied horses in the betting drawn over there.
Digging deeper, the pace drawn on that side looks to be scorching with the likes of The Man, Toca Madera, Air Force One and Apollo One all berthed in the first six stalls.
If the draw does transpire to be an advantage, there’s a good chance that the race will develop quickly on that side, and I think those front runners could prove tough to reel in.
As a result, each runner listed has strong chances for differing reasons, but it’s tough to play all of those horses individually.
However, if one wins, it means that the pace will likely have held up, so it’s most likely that those that are front rank throughout will last home and we could see those drawn low to the fore.
Therefore, I think playing the four horses – THE MAN, TOCA MADERA, AIR FORCE ONE and APOLLO ONE – in a Quinella is the way to go.
That means that if any of those four finishes in the first two places, it will secure a nice payout with World Pool in action on the Knavesmire.
If you’re feeling especially brave, then feel free to chuck them into combination tricasts and hopefully we can kick the meeting off in style!
POINTERS WEDNESDAY
The Man, Toca Madera, Air Force One, Apollo One (Quinella) 1.50pm York Ebor Festival