A maiden over the extended 5f.
An intriguing race with a number of juveniles with ability and a few who have disappointed of late.
Paul Cole has been in tremendous form with his two-year-olds this season and Valerius Maximus defied his odds of 40/1 on debut at Windsor by running a storming race. His whippet-like style saw this colt hold a good lead only to be caught by the odds-on shot Invincible Ridge. This son of Spartacus has breeding for much further but from what has been seen this 5f should suit such a nippy horse.
Wolf Slayer is a lovely-looking filly - a deep chested bay - with plenty of speed on her side. This 5f could well suit and Dascombe's two-year-old is certainly one for the shortlist. It is slightly difficult to guage the standard of this filly but this minimum trip is worth a try although it is surprising connections have not opted for 5f before which make me wonder if they consider 6f her ideal.
Forty Proof has ability and I can imagine Knight is surprised they haven't won a race because I get the feeling connections think this is a fair two-year-old. An attractive son of Invincible Spirit, he is definitely better suited to 5f than 6f after tiring in the closing stages at Newbury in what turned out to be a good race. Forty Proof didn't have much luck in-running at Sandown, being hampered on a couple of occasions. A fairly expensive purchase at 70,000gns he may be the type to improve with racing. At present this youngster has just about enough ability to win a moderate race, which suggests he has place claims today but may struggle to win. An intriguing horse who should run a fair race at price.
Rojo Boy has changed stables and ran well at Folkestone after a slow start. A small but determined colt, this 5f doesn't look ideal and I can see this two-year-old being outpaced and returning to 6f in the very near future.
El Viento showed ability on debut but has failed to progress since and the blinkers are applied today and best watched.
Bunce would have a live chance if back to his best after a number of creditable efforts but the last run at Haydock was terrible. After a 65-day absence it suggests he may have suffered an injury, however, such a performance leaves many questions and another to be careful with on this return.
Valerius Maximus looks to have plenty of speed to be suited by this drop in distance and could well lead these a merry dance. On looks this 5f should suit Wolf Slayer and one for the shortlist. Forty Proof should have no excuses today and has place claims but may struggle to win.
Today's races:
2:00 York
2:35 York