After the dizzying Ebor meeting displays from Arc contender Enable and the speedy Stradivarius, it’s back to more normal fare at the Family Raceday.
After his big successes earlier in the season, YorkMix tipster Dick Turpin is looking to get his reputation back after paying for the bookies’ holidays during last month’s four-day meeting.
Michael Dods has turned Knavesmire into a happy hunting ground of late. Dakota Gold (Connor Beasley up) is looking for a four-timer and will justifiably head the market for the 5f Garrowby Stakes (2.55), writes Turpin.
The front-running five-year-old has little to fear, as long as he gets a clear run from Stall 7. Danzeno (winner at Beverley), and Pontefract winner Perfection rate the main dangers. But Dakota Gold looks a class above them and is a confident nap selection.
The going will be the crucial decider in the Coopers Marquees Handicap (4.30). The ‘next best’ selection, The Night Watch, impressed at Newmarket when winning over six furlongs in June. But his Haydock defeat on softer ground in July exposed the gelding’s weakness.
Good to firm ground is forecast, so he is the selection. But overnight rain would bring main rival Roulston Scar right back into the reckoning.
Turpin’s tips
1.50
Win: Clan Royale
EW: Leapers Wood
Longshot: Alben Spirit
2.20
Win: Passion And Glory
EW: Sporiad
Longshot: Ladies First
2.55
Win: Dakota Gold (Nap)
EW: Danzeno
Longshot: Rock On Baileys
3.25
Win: Convict
EW: Vega Magic
4.00
Win: Contrebasse
EW: Funny Man
Longshot: Forewarning
4.30
Win: The Night Watch (nb)
EW: Roulston Scar
Longshot: Jonah Jones
5.00
Win: Blue Medici
EW: Shamad
Longshot: Black Kalanisi