Chance things Fall right for Sunshine and Commanche
AWAY from the action at Ascot, York hosts one of its typically competitive Saturday cards, headlined by the Group Two York Stakes (2.35pm).
It looks a strong renewal, with this year’s Dante winner Item out to bounce back from his Derby blowout.
However, he must find his way past several bonafide Group One elders such as Damysus, Royal Champion and Pride Of Arras.
For all it’ll be a fascinating watch, it’s not one for a bet currently.
Instead, the Sky Bet Dash (2.00pm) looks ripe for a wager.
The first of two runners I fancy is ETERNAL SUNSHINE for the Jim Goldie team.
Prolific at the backend of last season, the six-year-old landed a hat-trick of victories with a win in the Portland Handicap.
That saw his mark hit a peak of 89, which has since tumbled following a quiet start to the season, but his most recent runs suggest that a return to form could be imminent.
He finished second in a deep handicap at the track last year, splitting a pair of subsequent pattern performers, and looks overpriced at 16/1.
The second bet requires a bit of imagination, but I expect a big run from rank outsider, COMMANCHE FALLS.
Trainer Michael Dods is in good form, and whilst this horse finished seventh of seven at Hamilton last time, he has a standout piece of form to his name.
His second to stablemate Northern Ticker over this course and distance last August was a massive run, and he’s now slipped to four pounds below that mark.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him outrun odds of 33/1.
POINTERS SATURDAY
Eternal Sunshine e/w 2.00pm York
Commanche Falls e/w 2.00pm York