Can course specialist Blue For You enhance trainer's good record in this 7f handicap?

Of all the trainers represented in this race, David O’Meara has the best record from past runnings. O’Meara has a win, a second and two thirds to his name since 2016, and of his two entries at the start of the week, it is Knavesmire specialist Blue For You who takes his chance rather than the younger, more progressive Cerulean Bay.

Blue For You is a three-time winner at York off marks as high as 99 and he’s now down to 95. July has been the best time to catch this seven-year-old in the past, with four victories and three seconds from nine starts during that month, although he’s yet to record a success in June.

Other course specialists worth noting include Tolstoy. He won twice in two days at this meeting in 2024, including in this race, and was second in the same race on Friday when aiming for the same double this year. He also beat Yanifer, who was stung by the draw at Chester last time, to win over course and distance last July.

Among the youngsters is forecast favourite Dashing Darcey, who has moved to Geoff Harker having been with Roger Varian last term. He was more like his old self when a narrow second at Haydock last time, but may need a career-best to win here.

Palmar Bay showed an eyecatching turn of foot when scoring at Chelmsford 13 days ago. That was a good race for the grade and a 3lb rise seems fair. William Buick takes the ride and his turf form is comparable to what he has shown on the all-weather. He seems to handle most conditions.
Race analysis by James Hill

What they say

Ed Crisford, joint-trainer of Telemark
It’s a competitive race and any rain would be a help, but he goes there in good shape.

David O'Meara, trainer of Blue For You
He's been a bit inconsistent but he ran well over seven furlongs at Haydock on his first run of the season. Hopefully, he can run like that again and he seems in good form.

David O'Meara: runs Blue For You at YorkCredit: Edward Whitaker

John Gallagher, trainer of Havana Pusey
She’s been working well, she came out of Goodwood very well and the plan was always to step her up to seven furlongs. I think she’s got a good chance but she’s got ten stone, although she’s a big, strong girl. There should be plenty of pace and I want her to just sit in as she does her best work at the end of the race, whether that’s six or seven.

Geoff Harker, trainer of Dashing Darcey
He’s been working well and came out of Haydock very well when he just didn’t get the run of the race. He’s a nice horse and the rain would definitely help him.

Ian Williams, trainer of Aalto
I was hoping to run him at Ascot but he’s not quite high enough to get in. We should get a little bit of rain and it would be perfect conditions for him. I would have liked to have run him earlier, but he’s in good form to start his season.

Harriet Bethell, trainer of Yanifer
He’s taken a bit of getting fit this year and I know it’s not his ideal ground, but he’s come out of Chester bouncing. He runs very well at York, so I’m hopeful.

Michael Dods, trainer of Glenfinnan
He could do with a bit of rain and for the ground to be a bit softer. He was badly hampered on his last run and a fast seven furlongs should suit him.
Reporting by Oliver Barnard

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