York Day 1 – Minster x Musidora Madness

Minster 6f Grp2 – 15:30

The first of the races I will be turning my attention to is the Minster Group 2. A race run over 6 furlongs on what is forecast good ground. The current favourite – Time For Sandals once again receives the services of Ryan Moore – which can be no bad thing! This filly is looking to kick onward from her reappearance run at Newmarket, and should attract her fair share of supporters. Notable other runners include the previously intertwined adversaries Big Mojo and Kind of Blue, the former powered through the line in the Sprint Cup at Haydock ahead of the latter on his penultimate start and connections would love to see him do so again tomorrow. Interestingly though, the Ascot affair may well be prolonged tomorrow at the expense of the previously mentioned challengers; with American Affair aiming to add a group 2 to his tally, after registering a group 1 last time out under the tutelage of the crafty Paul Mulrennan. However, he has failed to deceive on his only start over tomorrow’s 6 furlong trip previously. Further interest in this contest is heightened through the presence of Gimcrack winner Cool Hoof Luke under Oisin Murphy, coming into this looking progressive and tuned up from his last time out win on the all-weather. Overall, this looks to be a cracking contest on paper and should hopefully set up a few of these stars for a successful sprinting season to look forward to.

Musidora 1m2f Grp3 – 16:05

All eyes then drift toward the Musidora, a 1m2f group 3 contested by 6 exciting types. Prominent in the betting is the Newmarket Fillies’ Mile fourth Legacy Link – aiming to provide Colin Keane and the Gosdens with more success in the Judmonte colours. In Flying form is what I’d describe the Gosdens as of current, and favourite backers will be hoping this well-bred filly can round off York Day 1 with her second career win to date. Talking of powerhouse stables in good form leads us directly to the next contender – Moments of Joy trained by the one and only Aiden O’Brien. A maiden winner at Leapardstown who has ran credibly in black type races after the fact, she has a bit to find with the market principal but cannot be discounted after brushing off the early season cobwebs at the Curragh last time. Adding to this contests depth are a quartet of unexpsosed fillies, with the pick of them being Felicitas. The unbeaten daughter of Teofilo carried a penalty to win going away last time out at Sandown and on that performance is well worth this step up in grade. In short, this looks to be a great oppurtunity for the Judmonte filly to add another win to her belt – but any form of sub-par showing could leave her vunerable to any of her lurking market rivals, especially the Ed Walker runner.

It’ll be a favourite backing day for me tomorrow! I know what everyone is thinking, not another bloke who tips up the favourite and charges them an arm and a leg! Let’s hope for some more creative fancies over the next 2 days. Stay Tuned.

Written by Sebastien Croxall