York - Thurs - 14/05/09

[alexmac]

York - 2.40 - DANTE - CROWDED HOUSE, BLACK BEAR ISLAND, KITE WOOD and NATIVE RULER OK, this is where the strike rate takes a bit of a hit when following top class horses - they all oppose each other in the top quality races. I would be AMAZED if the winner was not one of the above mentioned quartet. Going to do a bit of an overview of the race, incorporating why I have chosen to follow each of the named horses. Firstly, lets start off with the favourite, CROWDED HOUSE Highly progressive last season, culminating in his breathtaking finish at Doncaster, where he hacked up, despite drifting markedly across the course. This was a sound performance, and although there have been questions raised over the quality of the field that day, the way in which brian Meehan's colt finished was impressive to say the least. This will be his season opener, having defected from the Guineas, and although he does seem to have a favourites chance, he may well be slightly exposed when chanced against a number of the Dante field. KITE WOOD has been mentioned in a thread of his own this week. A new acquisition for the Godolphin operation, this horse had a tremendous season last year. The fact that he remained in the UK over the winter is a major plus, as a number of Godolphin horses seem to be taking a while to get firing since returning from the UAE. Kite Wood must be in with a chance of making the frame here. At one stage, BLACK BEAR ISLAND was being talked up as being Coolmores number on Derby prospect. Who knows.... He may still well be. We will have a better idea of where he lies in the Derby pecking order this time tomorrow though. Subject to very promising remarks after an impressive racecourse gallop last month, Black Bear Island was unlucky not to win his first run of the season in France, where he did not get the break he needed. Although, on paper, he seems to be the stable second string in this heat, we all know what happened last week at Chester, and a big run cannot be discounted. He is definately one that will improve with time, and his breeding suggests that the Derby trip will not be a problem either. A very interesting prospect at a nice price. Lastly, NATIVE RULER also stands a decent chance of making a bold show in this race. His latest run in a maiden at Pontefract was easy on the eye, but he did not beat much then, and his first run at Newmarket does not seem to be rck solid form either. However, Henry Cecil talks very highly of this very well bred colt. Surely, there is more to come from him, and if he has progressed since his Pontefract run then there is no way he can be ruled out. Crowded House - 2pts win @ 13/8 Kite Wood - 1pt E/W @ 6/1 Black Bear Island - 1pt E/W @ 12/1 native Ruler - 1pt E/W @ 20/1

[Stevet1859]

Re: York - Thurs - 14/05/09 2:40 York: Redwood 2pts e/w 8/1 Stan James (Bog) I was at Newmarket last month when Redwood and Nehaam both won. My recent form tips have been none too successful, so I'll put Redwood up on the impression he made that day. As they flashed by he seemed to be comfortably holding Drumbeat who has gone on to run creditably at Chester. Every chance that Redwood will come on for this extra furlong. 1:40 York: Everymanforhimself 2pts e/w 15/2 William Hill Is back off his last winning mark of 90 (when beating Strike up the Band) and has run well on this course posting some good speed figures. Made the frame on seasonal reappearance at Beverley, and every chance will be in shakeup here. 3:10 York: Mia's Boy 2pts e/w 7/1 Paddy Power (Bog) Won this race last year and tuned up for a repeat with a fine second over seven furlongs at Yarmouth at the end of April. A higher mark to overcome but some question marks over a number of rivals so should at least make the frame on favourable going.