Foolaad in great shape as he bids for magnificent six-timer

2.55 York
Infinity Tyres Handicap | 6f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

This is always a competitive, good-quality York handicap and the winner will not only need to have a few pounds in hand but also enjoy the rub of the green.

Eyes are immediately drawn to the Roy Bowring-trained Foolaad, who bids for a magnificent six-timer.

Foolaad: will be bidding for a six-timerCredit: John Grossick

Four of those wins came at Southwell during the winter, but this one-time Godolphin inmate took his form to another level when scoring on the turf at Pontefract last month. Can he overcome a further 4lb rise which takes his official rating to a career-high 101? Bowring is hopeful.

"He's got to improve another two lengths, but let's hope he can," the trainer said. "He has that happy knack of not winning by far which has helped him stay in front of the handicapper."

Orion's Bow heads Easterby trio

Tim Easterby landed this sprint two years ago with See The Sun. He is three-handed this time with Flying Pursuit, Golden Apollo and, perhaps the most interesting of them all, Orion's Bow.

The last-named was luckless on several occasions last season but, as a result, goes into battle off a mark 7lb lower than when successful at Hamilton in July 2016.

He seems sure to prove popular with punters, and Easterby said: "Orion's Bow should run well. He ran a good first race of the season when third at Pontefract."

Of his other two runners, the trainer added: "Both Flying Pursuit and Golden Apollo are in good form too. They both like the track."

Fahey multiply represented too

Richard Fahey, another dab hand in these valuable York sprint handicaps, also fields three live contenders with Gin In The Inn arguably the pick.

The five-year-old looked on particularly good terms with himself when landing a 6f Ripon handicap off a 4lb lower mark last month in the hands of Kieran O'Neill.

Paul Hanagan takes over this time, and there is evidence in the formbook – particularly a fine second to Bossipop at Pontefract last summer – that a rating of 89 shouldn't prove beyond him.

Fahey, who also runs George Bowen, the mount of Connor Beasley, and the Paddy Mathers-ridden Private Matter, said: "Ideally I would like a drop of rain for Gin In The Inn. He would prefer it to be easier, but he won well the other day and is in good form.

"George Bowen ran okay at Doncaster. This looks a better race, and he'll need to up his game a bit. Private Matter did better last time out than he did on his seasonal reappearance."

What they say

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Teruntum Star
He was impressive last year at York in the Coral Sprint. That took his form to another level. He ran well at Ripon on his reappearance last month and has definitely tightened up for it. He goes there with a big chance.

Teruntum: 'goes there with a big chance'Credit: Mark Cranham

Ruth Carr, trainer of Ower Fly
He ran very well at Newmarket two runs ago. It's a York sprint – they're always tough and competitive – but if you're not in it you can't win it.

David Easterby, assistant to Mick Easterby, trainer of Quick Look
We didn't expect to get in. He is a better horse on soft ground.

David Griffiths, trainer of Lucky Beggar
He's in really good form and has no weight. I was a bit surprised he ran so well first time out when second at Doncaster last month. He’s gone up 4lb for that, but six furlongs on quick ground on a quick track should be spot-on for him. I expect him to run a big race.

Nigel Tinkler, trainer of Firmdecisions
It's a very competitive race, but he's fresh and well and runs off a low weight.

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