Sunday 26th July 2020

14:10 York

I normally try and take on those at the top of the market in these kind of handicaps but I find it pretty hard getting away from Firmament in this one. It was a rough race for him last time out, he got bumped around when still travelling well and became unbalanced so James Doyle never picked up the stick and he's been, potentially generously, dropped 2lb for that run. Prior to that he never got involved at Ascot from a poor draw but his seasonal debut is certainly worthy of noting. He finished fourth over a mile at Newcastle in a race which has worked out incredibly well. The winner Sir Busker won the Silver Hunt Cup off 4lb higher on his next start, then finished a close second at Newmarket next time off a further 6lb higher. Dark Vision, who finished second in the Newcastle race won the Royal Hunt Cup on his next start and has won a listed race since. Finally, Fifth Position (finished third) comfortably landed a decent Doncaster handicap on his next start before finishing third in the John Smiths here at York.

So it's fair to say that Newcastle form has some substance to it! He pulled clear with the aforementioned front three that day but now finds himself racing off a 4lb lower mark, down in a class 3 for the first time in well over a year. David O'Meara's gelding loves it here at York and could prove difficult to beat. Dancing Vega is the potential fly in the ointment after being thought good enough for Group 3 company on just her second start, but she disappointed there and may lack the race experience needed for a race of this nature. I find it tough to see Firmament finishing out of the frame, especially with 4 places available at a number of firms.

Firmament 11/2 - 1.5 Points Each-Way