Shrewd could prove a wise selection

Shrewd 4.00 York

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Trainer Iain Jardine has really begun to make a name for himself this season, particularly when it comes to improving runners who might have lost their way at other yards. Shrewd definitely belongs in that bracket.

A progressive sort in his early days for Michael Bell, winning four of his first seven starts, he then went two and a half years without bothering the winner’s enclosure. But the six-year-old hasn’t looked back since that success over hurdles at Musselburgh in January, his first of five this year.

The last two have come on the Flat, the most recent by more than three lengths over course and distance in June. The ease of that win persuaded Jardine to try Shrewd in Listed company back here, and he didn’t let his trainer down when finishing fifth in a race in which he had plenty on at the weights.

The strength of that contest was well advertised this week, with Barsanti and Quest For More, who were second and third, winning here yesterday, the latter a Group 2.

Shrewd returns to handicap company off an 11lb higher mark than two starts ago, but Jardine has booked good claimer Clifford Lee, who is one from two for the yard and removes 7lb.
More rain is forecast, which should mean the going is ideal for the selection, who has won seven times on good or softer ground.


4.00 York
Sporting (50:30:20:10) 11-14 Antiquarium, 7-9 Heartbreak City, 6-8 She Is No Lady, Seamour, Quick Jack, 5-7 Kinema, Vent De Force, Shrewd, Tawdea, 4-6 Top Tug, Battersea, Oceanographer, Elidor, 3-5 Seismos, Oriental Fox, 2-4 First Mohican, Fun Mac, The Twisler, Sir Chauvelin, Havana Beat, 1-3 Ballynanty.

Match bet 0.25-1.25 She Is No Lady/Quick Jack.