Andrew Balding: My thoughts on our 5 runners at York on Friday
The Betway ambassador tells you all you need to know about his entries for day three of the Ebor Festival, and gives an update on his plans for Kameko.
Kameko
Obviously, we were a little disappointed with the result in the Juddmonte.
Kameko looked for all money like he was going to finish second as they came inside two out but, on the slightly slower ground, he just didn’t see it out.
He’ll now be campaigned as a miler and, hopefully, if he stays in training next year, he’ll have a crack at all the top mile races.
York on Friday
We’re really pleased with Dashing Willoughby , who has won both of his starts this season.
This race (14:15) was always the plan after his win at Sandown and he seems in really good form at home, so it’s all systems go.
It’s a good race with a quality field, but we’re very happy with him as he steps up in class.
Mystery Smiles is two from two now and is a handy horse to have.
Although he’s won on slightly slower ground, we’d love to see him on quicker ground, so, if it dries out, he’ll have a lovely chance in the Gimcrack (14:45).
We though a lot of Rushmore before his debut run at Newbury, in what I think will turn out to be an above-average race. He was slow into stride that day and that made his task more difficult.
He’s been going nicely since, so I hope he can run well. This race (15:45) is always a very tough race to win, mind.
Rodin is as tough as they come, and he steps up in distance in the last race of the day (16:50).
He’s running from 4lb out of the handicap, but he doesn’t know that. I think he’s well-equipped to run a good race.
In the same race, Mon Choix has been impressive on his last two starts, but that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the handicapper, who has put him up 19lb.
He’s is still improving, though. Both of his wins have come on quick ground, so he will appreciate it if it does dry up.
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