Racing - York friday 18 May

York 2:15
Ballinteni 6/1
Halla San 7/1
Bauer 7/1
Kilimandschero 9/1
All The Good 9/1
Nakheel 10/1
Macorville 10/1
Simondium 25/1
Kyoto Summit 25/1

My tissue is somewhat different to the bookies and it does provide two stand-out bets. Both are improving horses, but clearly no longer considered unexposed by either the handicapper or bookmakers. I'll chance that they've got a fair bit more to give. Ballinteni at 10s or better and Kilmandscharo at 20s or better - neither being backed this morning. I think I'll go win over each way, and probably throw in a cheeky forecast.


York 2:45
Sergeant Cecil 7/2
The Last Drop 11/2
Munsef 11/2
Allegretto 6/1
Percussionist 6/1
Geordieland 12/1
Rising Cross 12/1

Sergeant Cecil was responsible for most my flat profits two seasons ago, so to say I have a soft spot for him is an understatement. He pulled very hard in this last year in a small field. There may be more pace on today, but he does have a penalty to overcome and this is still probably seen as a prep for Ascot. Probably fairly priced but for sentimental betting only. Allegretto could be a typical Stoute improving filly and this may suit Munsef. It will be interesting to see if Kinane can get a better tune out of The Last Drop than Hills or whether it's the horse, not the jockey that's the problem.


York 4:25
Hoh Hoh Hoh 9/2
Buachail Dona 11/2
Kings Gait 7/1
Zomerlust 9/1
Wyatte Earp 9/1
Turnkey 20/1

Hoh Hoh Hoh has gone off too fast both starts so far. However, with a decent apprentice up, he looks the sole pace in this sprint on a track that suits front runners. Ridden sensibly he has everything in his favour. The 6s are going fast. A decent bet for me.


I toyed with the idea of adding Hoh Hoh Hoh to the £500 challenge, but as he is pretty likely to collapse in a heap like the last couple of times, there's no £500 challenge bet today.