York 3.05 - The two top-rated dominate the betting so the bookies probably have the race covered. If there is a smidgen of value it might be Divine Jewel. She went up to 102 for a short-head second in a Listed race in France (soft) and I’m curious about why she’s only reappearing now. Could she be targeting the Ebor for which winning this this race offers automatic qualification (but she’s likely to get in anyway)? I’ll hold off until the morning to see if anyone offers three places or markets without one of the big two.
York 3.40 - This is one of the very few 3yo handicaps I actively study before royal Ascot, mainly because I seem to have a good record in it, probably down to luck as much as anything because it’s a bit of a minefield. I’m going to suggest a long list of Rabaah, Washington Heights, Quinault, Dark Kestrel and Pure Angel. The win odds combine at just under 6/4, which doesn’t seem unfair but I don’t want to back them all. I’ve taken 15/2 (boosted, BOG) Quinault and will think about savers in the morning.
Sandown 2.15 - Magical Morning would be lobbed in on his best form for the Gosdens when he won a decent prize this time last year off 105 but you have to wonder why either the trainers or the owner, Lady Bampot, got rid of him and his subsequent form implies there was a reason. This is his first run since a wind op and he’s blinkered for the first time so they’re maybe getting desperate with him. He holds an entry in the John Smith and would probably need a penalty to make the cut so might be worth giving one last chance. I’ve also taken 16/1 (ew 4 pl) Autumn Festival on account of his profile but a win for Dutch Decoy would be no surprise.
