Racing Report Card: A James Tate horse on the up, one for your tracker from York and a horse to take on next time
NOWHERE was quite like York on Wednesday. The sun was shining, and the racing on the track lived up to expectations.
There was plenty going on though, and we’ve picked out some bits you may have missed across the afternoon.
A horse on the up
Invincible Army – 3.00 York
After a promising start last season, James Tate’s Invincible Army slightly lost his way as the summer progressed.
But he bounced back on his comeback at Doncaster and showed he’s ironed out some issues with a powerful display in the Group 2 Duke Of York to back that up.
Connections were quick to say how his attitude has come on leaps and bounds over the winter and he looks a completely different horse on the track now.
Quotes of 7-2 for the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot were a bit of an over-reaction, but there’s no doubt he should be in the mix for Group 1 sprints now.
One for the tracker
Corgi – 1.50 York
I’m hoping this isn’t my wallet talking, but Corgi was a real eye-catcher in the opener at York.
Hughie Morrison was quick to state that he’ll come on plenty for this run, and a late, if only small drift, emphasised this.
Despite the low draw, he was pushed wide on the home bend and had to make his challenge away from the pace and on the stands side.
He travelled a dream and briefly looked like he would canter home, but a combination of the tank just emptying and racing away from the main group caught up with him when it mattered.
He got up for third and hopefully the handicapper leaves him alone. He will wins some decent races this season.
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A horse to take on next time
Nausha – 3.35 York
If this filly wins the Oaks, I’ll eat my hat. There, I said it.
I’m keen to take on Roger Varian’s Musidora winner next time out, especially if that’s in the Oaks.
This was a well-below par Musidora and there were a couple of horses that showed their inexperience, in the process of throwing their chances away.
There’s no doubt this is a decent filly, but the prices currently on offer for Epsom are silly. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s off to France next rather than the Oaks.
Fair play to Varian, though, he’s absolutely flying at the moment.