THREE winners out of four for Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) this week at York. Can his great form continue on Friday?
15:05 York | Channel 4
The Skybet City of York stakes is over seven furlongs and this is a really interesting little race with plenty of Group race form on offer here. We have a mix of horses dropping in class and stepping up from handicaps and I fancy a progressive one to go close.
Nemoralia was a very good juvenile last season and returned with a good win at Listed level at this course in May. She then came second in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot before coming fourth in a French Group 1 last time out.
She has some smart form to her name however her stable isn't going well and this looks tough and at the prices I'm against her.
Forge only has a maiden win to his name however he is a talented colt and progressing with each run. He went down narrowly at Goodwood and should go close here.
So Beloved is interesting to me too. He was an impressive winner first time out this season however he hasn't matched that form since. He ran with credit in the Sussex Stakes last time and this is easier however he isn't one for maximum faith.
The one I like here is Librisa Breeze. Dean Ivory's gelding is very progressive and a second in the Royal Hunt Cup was followed up with an impressive win in the International Handicap over this trip.
He looked much better than a handicapper that day, and despite meeting some talented rivals here I think he will hold his own and I'm backing him to win this.
15:40 York | Channel 4
The Nunthorpe is the highlight of Day 3 and this is a real puzzle.
With question marks about the ground (rain is possible) and the suitability of the trip for the favourite this isn't a race to get fully involved in too heavily until nearer the start time, but there is one I do like who has less questions to answer than most.
Limato is favourite for this after his fantastic win in the July Cup and is the horse to beat here. He was very impressive at Newmarket however he is vulnerable today.
He has never raced over this trip, can start slowly and if the rain arrives he won't have his ideal conditions. He may win this, but I'm prepared to take a chance on another here.
York can throw up soft ground, as it did last year and Mecca's Angel loves it soft. She's a wonderful filly and showed her Ascot flop was a one off with a good win in Ireland. If the rain arrives and is prolonged she may retain her crown, however I think she may have to play a supporting role here.
Profitable has been a revelation this season and comes here unbeaten in three starts over five furlongs this term. His one defeat was in the July Cup where he ran with credit and I think this is much more to his liking than that was.
He has the beating of the majority of this field on this seasons form and I can see reasons for him turning Newmarket form with Limato round. I'm backing him to win this today.
Best Bets
15:05 York – Librisa Breeze to win (5/1 William Hill)
15:40 York – Profitable to win (13/2 Betway)
