Keep Emit and Cover Up your sleeve for York
WITH Glorious Goodwood in the rear-view mirror, attention turns to the York Ebor Festival as the next major meeting.
Several of the contests from the Knavesmire are already priced up, and there are a few horses that look overpriced.
The first of those is COVER UP, who’s currently 16/1 for the Nunthorpe.
He caught my eye in the King Charles III Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot, where he continually met trouble in running and was unable to challenge.
Dropped in grade next time at the Curragh, he ran out victorious in the Sapphire Stakes and looks to be coming to the boil at the right time.
He showed in Ireland that a serious pace to aim at is exactly what he wants, and he should get that with US raider Bacio set to let rip from the front.
With that in mind, 16/1 looks more than fair for an each-way bet.
The week’s feature is the Ebor Handicap, run over one-mile-six-furlongs and worth £300,000 to the winner.
As usual, the current entries represent a mix of Flat and National Hunt yards, and there’s no doubt it’ll be one of the most competitive handicaps of the season.
The Irish have tasted success in the last three years, and I’m siding with them once again with EMIT.
It’s well documented that his trainer Joseph O’Brien has been in irresistible form this season and there’s little doubt that will continue at York.
Dropped in trip last time, he caught the eye when staying on after he was blocked at Royal Ascot and has better form over these sorts of distances.
He’s got back form in the book, with a two-length defeat by Scandinavia particularly eye-catching, and 25/1 looks too big.
POINTERS YORK EBOR FESTIVAL
Cover Up e/w 16/1 Nunthorpe Stakes
Emit e/w 25/1 Ebor Handicap