Thursday 17th May 2018


14:20 York

 Poyle Vinnie proved he still retains plenty of ability after slipping down the weights when a close second behind Acclaim The Nation at Thirsk earlier this month. He is due to go up 3lb for that run in the future and today's mark puts him a whopping 16lb lower than when third in this contest last year. Ruth Carr reaches for first time blinkers and he looks primed to run a big race, although I'm happy to take a more cautious approach in backing him each-way given his long winless run. The favourite as I write this is Major Jumbo for Kevin Ryan who does well here at York. He made all here at York over six furlongs back in September and did the same on his seasonal reappearance at Newmarket, he looks sure to go well but is now 10lb higher in the handicap as a result of those impressive performances. It's easy to see why Line Of Reason is being well supported in the market, he  he was beaten only a neck after meeting trouble in running when trying to give the useful Alpha Delphini 10lbs on ground which wouldn't have been his optimum in September. He is now on his lowest handicap mark for 4 years and his latest run at Musselburgh is excusable on account of him missing the break and heavy ground. One at a bigger price I'm going to have a saver on is Holmeswood who progressed nicely last season, producing a career best over this course and distance when dead-heating with stablemate Intense Romance. He missed the kick on his seasonal reappearance and is entitled to come on for that run on this sounder surface. Carlton Frankie is an interesting contender on his first run since a wind-op and at a bigger price Excessable would be in with a shout given he is just 2lb higher than his course and distance win in July. It looks worth taking advantage of firms paying 5 places in this competitive contest.

Poyle Vinnie 11/1 - 1 Point Each-Way

Holmeswood 20/1 - 0.5 Points Each-Way

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