York races

The glorious sunshine had the ground firm, despite many believing that the ground would be softer due to predicted rain. In form trainer Declan Carroll had another winner at York in the first race with Spartan Fighter, only adding to his tally for this year. Also apprentice jockey Cian Macredmond rode a winner on the day at a 22/1 shot, showing the ability he has to bring the best out of the horses. I tipped Archie Perkins a few weeks ago to win on firmer ground. This prediction came true in the fourth race on the card. Additionally Danny Tudhope had a double on the day, dominating the first two races.

The second race had Oasis Dream running alone on the far rail setting the pace whilst on the other side the leader was Final Rock. He was tracked by Anythingtoday whilst Speed Company, Dance King and Maifalki were held up. These positions did not change until three furlongs out where Oasis Dream needed to be pushed along, weakening as the rest of the field moved forward. At two furlongs out the lead was close between Anythingtoday and Oasis Fantasy being chased by Speed Company. The backmarker Maifalki was making headway. With one furlong to go the leader was clearly Anythingtoday while the rest of the field were strongly being ridden including Speed Company, Maifalki and Final Rock. But Oasis Fantasy was headed easily. Anythingtoday went well clear and gamely went on, the others not being able to catch him despite keeping on. First was Anythingtoday by 1 1/4 lengths, second Speed Company by a short head and third Maifalki by 4 1/2 lengths.

The main race of the day was the William Hill Summer Stakes at 3:15. Until the final couple of furlongs it was difficult to see who was leading as many were the same paced. The leading pack included Royal Intervention, Shades Of Blue, Glass Slippers, Foxtrot Lady and Archer's Dream. A few were unsteady at the start and never really got involved in the race. With two furlongs to go some were being pushed along including Archer's Dream and Foxtrot Lady. But others made headway like Fairy Falcon (who managed to challenge the leaders at this stage), Queen Of Desire, Stay Classy and Red Balloons. The lead was taken by Royal Intervention who was hassled by Shades Of Blue. This battle only further developed into the closing stages when it became neck and neck, both vying for the win. The rest of the horses simply couldn't keep up, regardless of  Red Balloons, Glass Slippers, Stay Classy and Queen of Desire staying on well. Royal Intervention and Shades Of Blue were clear of the rest of the field. Royal intervention just found a little bit more than Shades Of Blue winning by a neck. This pair were 3 3/4 lengths clear of the next horse.  Third place by 1 1/2 was Red Balloons, who in the early stages had a lot of cover. Fourth was Glass Slippers.