CALL a Copper because I think there’s going to be a spate of thefts at York on Saturday afternoon.
The bookies have priced up course specialist COPPER KNIGHT (2.55) at such big odds it could be like stealing money. These York sprint handicaps over 5f are his specialist subject as his six course wins show.
His performance here last week was a little disappointing but the market has definitely overreacted to that performance and he has an excellent record on this third race of the season. It might also be an advantage to be drawn high in this instance so stall 10 could help. Have 2pts each-way at 14-1, with several bookies paying out on five places.
Earlier on the card, PIASTRELLA (2.20) looks to have a good chance. She won twice at Beverley last year and kicked off this season with a promising fourth in a competitive race at the same track. The step up to a mile at Nottingham last month didn’t work as she just pulled too hard. There’s a stack of pace on today and that should help her now she returns to 7f.
With trainer Nigel Tinkler going well, she looks to have a lot in her favour. Have 2pts each-way at 14-1, with a couple of bookies stretching to six places.
The Cazoo Temple Stakes is the big race of the day. This 5f dash down the Haydock straight has been won by some fast sprinters in the past and LAST CRUSADER (3.45) looks to have stacks of speed. He had some good form last year over 6f but the drop in distance suited him extremely well when he bolted up in a York Listed race last week.
There’s plenty more to come from Karl Burke’s speedster over this trip. Have 2pts each-way at 12-1, with four places up for grabs with plenty of bookies.
GUSTAV HOLST (1.25) looks tuned up for the opening contest. He went close to breaking his duck when runner-up at Windsor in April and he ran better than his finishing position at Newbury last week as he nearly came down when slipping on the home turn. There’s a fair chance he might not be hassled up front and that would make him dangerous. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1, with several bookies paying four places.
