York Ebor Meeting Day One

Good morning racing fans, not a long intro but something for you to watch in case this blog isn't enough for you! I have teamed up with two friends to create a preview of today's action, if you enjoy the video and want to follow them on twitter you can on @Adamwebb121 and @Mytentoryours.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5omHFIlisuE

Martin is on a holiday from work this week but is still running a Swoop for the entire York meeting, as always you can enter your four selections on twitter to @Pigeon_Island. Today is just the first four races which is what I shall be previewing as well. Good luck if entering and I hope you enjoy our video preview!

All feedback is appreciated, onto today's action however.

1:55 York - Bogart

Kevin Ryan's sprinter was last seen at this track and was in the process of running a huge race when disaster struck around 2 furlongs from home. The saddle had slipped leaving Amy Ryan absolutely no chance of staying on board, she took a sickening fall but incredibly got up almost straight away. To me he was looking like the winner until that point and the only good thing from it is that he can run off the same mark today. Neil Callan gets the ride for the first time today which is by no means a negative and the slight drop in trip is by no means a negative. However a negative is that he hasn't won since his 2 year old years when landing the 2 year old trophy at Redcar and looking top class. He does look to be refinding his form though and is taken to land the opener of the week. (10/1)

2:30 York - First Flight

For me this was a very straightforward choice and possibly the second strongest bet of the week behind Al Kazeem later this afternoon. We have only seen First Flight in public once and he impressed me greatly that day after overcoming his inexperience at Newbury. He missed the break by around ten lengths and didn't look as if he knew too much about the game in the first two furlongs of the race. All of a sudden he picked up and in a matter of strides he was level and swooping past the field to win going away from a strung out group. I was very taken that day and even though its early days he looks to be one of the leading lights in next years 2000 Guineas. First Flight to land this on his way to bigger and better things. (2/1)

3:05 York - Telescope

At the start of the season Telescope was the one horse everyone wanted to be on in the Derby, however injuries plagued him and he is just getting back on track. He opened up this season with a easy win at Leicester against only two rivals in a Conditions race, obviously that was just a training run. He then ran in a Group 3 against the older horses which some people said 'burst his bubble', which in a sense may be true. If he didn't come with the reputation he carries, we would be saying that it was a very good run against older horses. One last thing is that he looked as if he will relish the extra two furlongs and to me looked like a horse who may enjoy a St Leger trip. Telescope to continue his progression today. (13/8)

3:40 York - Al Kazeem

Today's Nap and probably the best bet of the week comes in the form of this season's revelation horse from Roger Charlton's yard, Al Kazeem. This is being built up as the clash between Toronado and Al Kazeem when in truth I would see Trading Leather as more of a threat. There are major stamina doubts over Toronado but it is more than ensured with the selection and Trading Leather, the same can be said with Hillstar. Another thing in favour of Al Kazeem is the layout of the York course, it is a track that emphasises on stamina, something Al Kazeem lacks none of. Trading Leather to follow home Al Kazeem and a fourth Group 1 of the year for the selection. (6/4)

NAP - Al Kazeem
Nb - First Flight

Good luck today guys and as always Happy Punting!