The 3.40 at York on
Wednesday is a two horse race, if the ante post betting is to be
believed but, with doubts about the front pair, there may be some
value in backing Highland Reel. Ante post favourite Postponed
was forced to miss the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes with
respiratory illness and returns to action after a 74-day break, while
second favourite Hawkbill has never run, never mind won, on ground
faster than good to soft on turf.
By contrast, Highland
Reel loves to hear his hooves rattle and comes into the race at the
top of his game, having stayed on well to beat Derby fourth Wings Of
Desire by 1¼ lengths in the King George last month. Dropping back to
1 mile 2 furlongs should do his chances no harm and, with the going
on the Knavesmire currently good to firm and dry, sunny weather
forecast between now and Wednesday afternoon, he should be in his
element.
Selection: York
3.40 Highland Reel to win
