York May meeting: third day

Today is the third and final day of York´s May meeting with the Yorkshire Cup over 1 3/4 miles at 15.45 CET the main feature. This is the shortest of the so-called Cup races and the distance could be a problem, as several of these have been running over much further, and others over much shorter. Another problem is the ground, which is drying out rapidly. For this reason we shall oppose the lkilely favourite Tac de Boitron (Marco Botti/ Andrea SAtzeni), as his best form is on much softer going and over longer distances. He also has a Group One penalty, as does James Fanshawe´s mare Seal of Approval (Hayley Turner). Up in trip are Cubanita (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), whose latest Newbury form reads well but also prefers it softer, and Gospel Choir (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), who was staying on well when winning the Jockey Club Stakes on fast ground last time. Glen´s Diamond (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) won this race last year, so must be respected, while Tiger Cliff, now with jumps trainer Alan King but ridden as always by Tom Queally, won the Ebor over this CD, which also puts him in with a chance. The question mark here is Ahzeemah (Saeed bin Suroor/ Kieren Fallon), whio has not run since a disappointing effort at Ascot last October; he was previously very consistent at this level and is the selection.

It is Ladies Day at York, and the two main supporting races are listed events for fillies - for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at 14.45 and for 3yo´s over a mile at 16.15. In the former race there are 4 fillies still unbeaten, and one of them will probably win, most likely Tiggy Wiggy (Richard Hannon/ Sean Levey) or Zuhoor Baynoona (Fahey/ Moore). The latter race looks very tricky, well-bred Radiator (Stoute/ James Doyle) has not run since September, but could be dangerous, but we also like the lightly-raced pair Folk Melody (Charlie Appleby/ William Buick) and Nirva (Beckett/ Crowley). There is also a 7 furlongs handicap restricted to fillies at 17.25, which could go to Dusky Queen (Fahey/ Moore).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tiggy Wiggy - Patience Alexander - Sarista
2. Race: Arab Spring - Amralah - Itlaaq
3. Race: Tac de Boistron - Gospel Choir - Ahzeemah
4. Race: Radiator - Qawaasem - Azagal
5. Race: Canyari - Outer Space - Piazon
6. Race: Tight Fit - Dusky Queen - Patrona Ciana
7. Race: Latin Charm - Mairise - Innocent Touch