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Raceday Intel14 May 2025

Four-year-olds look to have the call again - analysis and trainer quotes for competitive York handicap

Four-year-olds and the Jorvik Handicap tend to go hand in hand and it’s no surprise to see the only three runners from that age group in the field dominate the early betting.

Older horses have provided just two winners from 67 runners in the last ten years, whereas four-year-olds are 8-54, which means they account for 80 per cent of the winners from just 45 per cent of the runners.

William Haggas is the most successful trainer in that timeframe, with Ilaraab and Gaassee winning in 2021 and 2022 respectively, and The Reverend could add to that tally.

He won in smooth style on his handicap debut before running with credit off this 9lb higher mark on his next two runs, possibly finding the trip against him each time. The fast ground is a worry, given he has raced only on softer than good, while the cheekpieces that worked so well are left off for this reappearance.

Almosh’her probably has the most potential. He was last seen justifying odds of 4-6 by a nose on his handicap debut at Kempton in March. The second won next time, so the form looks solid, and a mark of 93 still looks workable.

Plage De Havre was pulled up after helping to set a fast pace in a 2m½f handicap at Newcastle last time, but he won over this trip in February and makes appeal on peak form.

Of the older brigade, Stressfree looks worth another go at a mile and a half, while La Pulga, who ran well in the Queen's Cup at Musselburgh last month, will be fine over this shorter trip. However, topweight See Hector, who ran three good races at Meydan and is unexposed at this distance, could be the pick.
Analysis by Harry Wilson


What they say

Steve Brown, assistant trainer of Naqeeb
He's new to us but is a classy sort on his day and was Group-placed this time last year. We're still getting to know him but we're fascinated to see how he gets on in what looks a good starting point for him.

Alan King, trainer of Paradias 
He's in good order. He's had a good winter on the all-weather, I've been very happy with his runs, and this looked a good opportunity. The step up in trip, back to a mile and a half, will help him.

Adam Ryan, assistant trainer of Dark Moon Rising and Marhaba The Champ
Dark Moon Rising had a good winter campaign on the all-weather, where he's been very consistent. He has race-fitness under his belt and goes there in good form. Marhaba The Champ had a run at Pontefract in a muddling sort of race and didn't quite handle the track. If he bounces back to his old form, we know he loves York.
Reporting by Liam Headd


Read the rest of Wednesday's previews:

2.42 York: Richard Spencer books Ryan Moore as Two Tribes goes to war on the Knavesmire in intriguing sprint handicap 

3.13 York: 'He can develop into a Group 1 horse' - Karl Burke holds strong hand as new jockey bids to rekindle Inisherin's fire 

3.45 York: Why Aidan O'Brien's latest Classic trial favourite Whirl could be vulnerable in an open Musidora 

The Ballydoyle monopoly looks almost impossible to stop - but Oaks trial could provide hope for home guard 


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Lambourn correspondent

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