ONTO Day 2 at York and I’m hoping it’s an afternoon to remember for Alan King.
Better known for his jumpers, Kingy has a growing team on the flat and two of his are amongst by best bets for Thursday.
My first bet of the day comes in the Dante, and I reckon JAPAN (York, 3.00) could continue Aidan O’Brien’s Derby Trial domination.
He’s clearly had a few niggles over the last month, with two pencilled in comebacks being scratched for a shot at York.
Too Darn Hot of course sets the standard here, but has had problems of his own and is far from guaranteed to thrive over this extended ten furlongs.
At the prices I can take him on with ease and Japan should come into his own now up in trip, with more of an emphasis on stamina.
He’s always been mooted as Ballydoyle’s number one heading into the Derby, and while things have changed over the past couple of weeks, I was taken with his two wins at two and if coming here in good shape will be hitting the line harder than most.
In the next, BERINGER (York, 3.35) will be a strong fancy, along with a small each-way on old favourite FIRMAMENT.
Firmament simply loves it at York and is too well-handicapped to let go at a big price.
Beirnger is the main selection though and I’m pleased to see he’s only gone up 3lbs for his Newmarket win at the Craven meeting.
This track will suit better and I still think this improving, smooth-travelling four-year-old has a couple more races in him over a mile this summer.
3.00 Japan (win)
3.35 Beringer (each-way)
3.35 Firmament (each-way)
5.05 Running Cloud (NAP – win)
Last but not least is RUNNING CLOUD (York, 5.05) who goes down as Thursday’s NAP.
He’s gone off at big prices the last twice and I’m very surprised more people have not cottoned on to how unlucky he’s been at both Kempton and Windsor.
Now he has stamina doubts to answer here – back at two miles. But he’s only gone that far over hurdles and I’ll put a line through those efforts, meaning he remains completely unexposed.
Ryan Moore is booked – no guarantee of anything – but shows King’s intent.
He’s flown home for third on both of his latest runs, despite meeting heaps of trouble in running.
York offers itself to his style, better than those tighter tracks and he should go very, very close at decent odds in the lucky last.
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