John Smiths Cup 2020

[Venture to Cognac]

Always a cracker this…….

https://www.racingpost.com/racecards/107/york/2020-07-18/761289

https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/ante-post-racing/flat/john-smiths-cup-handicap/winner

No real surprise for me here, and its a real regular of mine, Euchen Glen, who jumps right out.

Has ran very nicely on his two comeback runs from injury, and the only question mark I have, as I’ve said before, is whether The Ebor is the main aim, or even Melbourne.

Either way, it’s hard for me to swerve him at the price, and my hands are tied with him a bit. Proper bet if he’s declared.

Others of note….

Harrovian 8’s
Fifth Position 8’s
Walkinthesand 20’s
Protected Guest 50’s

….but I’ll stick with the one for now.

Euchen Glen 25’s

[Mike987654]

Harrovian 10/1

[Mike007]

Caradoc 10-1 ew

[robnorth]

I have SINJAARI top rated and he looks a strong candidate from a stable that does really well at York. Lightly raced and generally progressive last season he was thereabouts in a succession of decent events and arguably best around ten furlongs. Reasonably priced at a general 14/1.

Afaak (20/1 generally) is my second choice, not far away last year and ran a decent season opener in the Hunt Cup. Not run at around this distance very often in his career but has registered some decent efforts.

[Venture to Cognac]

I had a good look at Afaak as well Rob, I think that’s a good shout, however with the rest of the early shortlist standing their ground, no option but to stick with Euchen Glen here.

Good luck with him.

[nwalton]

Pivoine for me only 2lb higher than last seasons win.
Will wait till morning to back EW but hoping rain stays away

[FinalFurlong91]

Harrovian 9/1

Looks the progressive type that gosden has success with in handicaps

[nwalton]

Gelding him has certainly helped FF

[Mike987654]

Harrovian is Frankie’s only ride at York.

[Frenchy15]

Not really my bag, these types of races, but I’ll join you on Euchen Glen VTC!

Euchen Glen 25 EW

[TheTinMan87]

Anythingtoday 50/1 e/w 6 places – won on the equivalent card last year when trained by O’Meara over 12F. Ran nice races for Roger Fell at Newcastle and behind Fifth Position at Doncaster this year and I’d forgive any horse a bad run on testing ground at Haydock as he did last time. Roger Fell puts cheekpieces on for the first time this season which the horse has worn on his last 4 winning appearances. With the headgear angle I suspect this might have been a longer term plan.

I’ll also have a little bit on Afaak 20/1 e/w as he ran very well last year off a 3lb higher mark when drawn in the car park, he’s got stall 1 this time. Shaped better than bare margins in the Hunt Cup racing too freely, hopefully that was just the freshness of the horse rather than an omen that he won’t get home over this longer trip. We know he has the class to win this type of race.

[All Jeff]

I’m having two selections here.

My biggest fear for Sky Defender is the draw, but I think that he can get into contention here and I’ve bet him 22-1 ew with 6 places.

I also note that Dettori angle, and I’ve taken 9-1 Harrovian on the nose.

[Mike007]

Wd winners.

[BigG]

Well done Rob, and at a very nice 14/1

[Venture to Cognac]

Well played Rob

[robnorth]

Thanks! A few selection factors came together on that one and I took advantage. Was fairly confident turning for home but two out thought I was stuffed, and then a finishing burst and it won a tad comfortably. Another good one from a ratings method which is really throwing up some good form lines.

[Author]

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