Ryan Moore can be the star of the annual The Press Family Raceday at York tomorrow.
The former champion jockey has an enviable book of mounts throughout the afternoon and, by my reckoning, it is far from the realms of possibility he could complete a remarkable five-timer at a venue where he boasts a fine record.
Moore has ridden eight winners from 41 rides on Knavesmire this year, which represents a 20 per cent strike-rate, while his tally of 32 York winners from 151 mounts (21 per cent) over the last five seasons, is also worthy of note.
Moore kicks off in the opening Judith Marshall Memorial Nursery Handicap with an excellent chance on the Richard Hannon-trained Remember, whose impressive Newmarket success last month marked him down as a horse to follow.
The Minster Alarms Maiden Stakes is a tricky race to solve. There are several horses in the field with fairly solid form, but it is already significant that trainer William Haggas has booked Moore to ride My Inspiration, who cost £80,000 as a yearling.
The £37,000 Betfred Garrowby Stakes has a quality field including last year’s winner Mince, another Moore mount, who is trained by Roger Charlton.
She gave notice of a return to form at Goodwood last time out when a close-up third to Tickled Pink in Group 3 company.
Norton trainer Brian Ellison has swooped to engage Moore for Bishop’s Castle in the Cooper’s Marquees Handicap and the four-year-old carries the nap vote to return to the winning trail.
The Castles UK Educational And Residential Furniture Handicap, over a fraction more than two miles, is the longest race on the card and Moore’s partner Pearl Spice is worth a second look. He will relish this return to the longer distance.
Sheriff Hutton trainer Mick Easterby likes nothing better than a winner at York. Make a note of his useful sprinter Hoofalong, already twice a winner this season and a slightly unlucky loser here at the Ebor Festival, in the Hanson Springs 50th Anniversary Handicap.
In the closing Future Cleaning Services Apprentice Handicap, Richard Fahey’s High Office is one to note. He has slipped to a good mark and goes well with some give in the ground.
York selections
2.00 Remember
2.30 My Inspiration
3.00 Mince
3.35 Bishop’s Castle (NAP)
4.05 Pearl Spice
4.40 Hoofalong
5.10 High Office
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