Andrew Balding: My thoughts on our six Wednesday runners
The Betway ambassador previews his four runners at the York Ebor Festival on Wednesday, plus two more at Bath and Kempton.
York runners
Imperial Fighter is a horse that I like a lot. He was impressive at Goodwood and he’s entitled to improve from that run, too.
I think he’s a smart horse and, although this looks a very good renewal, I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t competitive in the Acomb (14:25).
Youth Spirit ran very well at Goodwood under a penalty and was much more like it compared to his poor run in the Derby.
He’s in good form and York should suit him well. As expected, it’s looks a very competitive Great Voltigeur (15:00), but he’s not out of place.
Alcohol Free has a been a real star this season. Obviously, the big question mark is around whether she’ll stay this extra 2f in the Juddmonte International and we simply won’t know until we try it.
She’s in grand form at home and we’ve got nothing to lose, so we’re giving it a shot (15:35).
I think Frankella is ready to step back up to 6f now. She ran with credit over 5f but, back among nursery company and up to 6f, she should acquit herself well (17:20).
Other Wednesday runners
Build Me Up just blew the start on her debut at Sandown last time, but we had quite liked her beforehand. I’m hoping this could suit her better (Bath, 14:15), but her outside draw is a slight concern.
Lion Hunter has shown very little as of yet, but he should be finding his feet in handicaps. These would look his optimum conditions, but you couldn’t be confident on what he’s done on the track so far (Kempton, 18:15).
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