York May meeting: final day

a huge programme today, with 8 tracks staging racing in the U.K. and Ireland, but pride of place goes clearly to the third and final day of the York May meeting, with the Group Two Yorkshire Cup over 1 3/4 miles at 15.40 CET as the main feature. This is the first of a series of "cup races", but over a slightly shorter distance than the others, so out-and-out stayers are not required here. Godolphin, who have an excellent record in long distance races, are strongly represented here with Kite Wood (Frankie Dettori) and Wajir (Ted Durcan). Clearly Kite Wood, last time a beaten favourite for the St. Leger when last seen, is the stable´s first string, but it should not be forgotten that Ted Durcan rode the winner of that race (stable-companion Mastery) and the ex-Wildenstein runner Wajir is actually officially the highest-rated runner. A big danger is Manifest (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), who ran on well when runner-up to the smart Harbinger at Newbury (Purple Moon well behind, but also a threat on his best form).

The main feature is supported by two listed races for fillies - for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at 14.40 and for 3yo´s over a mile at 16.10. In the former race 5 of the 8 runners are winners, but we prefer Clive Brittain´s Breedj (Seb Sanders), who was a very promising third on her debut. In the latter event, the well-bred Sweet Sonnet (Saeed bin Suroor/ Dettori) can round off a good day for Godolphin, although the unbeaten decorative (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) and Muwakaba (Sir Michael Stoute/ Richard Mullen) are obvious dangers, as well as Carioca (Marco Botti/ Kieren Fallon), who has already won twice this season.

The handicaps are as tricky as ever, but we like the look of Thin Red Line (Michael Dods/ Tom Eaves), who carries only a 6lbs fixed penalty for an easy win at Chester last week and can follow up to 15.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Turn The Tide - Fifth Ave - Primo Lady
2. Race: Dangerous Midge - Class Is Class - Fortuni
3. Race: Kite Wood - Manifest - Purple Moon
4. Race: Muwakaba - Sweet Sonnet - Snow Fairy
5. Race: Diman Waters - Hoof It - Trade Secret
6. Race: Sunrise Safari - Himalya - Buachaill Dona
7. Race: Judiciary - Dancing Dude - Sunny Game