Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Shadow Dance in perfect rhythm for Ebor glory
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck casts his expert eye over the fourth and final day of the York Ebor Festival.
Bet on Horse Racing at William Hill
Check out William Hill’s new Each Way Extra feature
KING OF CITIES can finally deliver in the Strensall Stakes which opens up York’s Ebor Day card (1.50). He wasn’t really suited by a small field event last time, and was notably unlucky in the French Guineas. A return to nine furlongs, combined with a pace to aim at, should be much more like it, and his Fielden figure from earlier in the year remains compelling.
DAIQUIRI BAY is selected each way in the Melrose (2.25). He’s been performing with credit in a higher grade than many of his rivals, while his pedigree suggests strongly that this big hike in distance will be to his liking.
LAKE FOREST can take advantage of a potential pace meltdown in the upgraded G1 City of York (3.00). He hasn’t quite hit full stride since returning from winning the Golden Eagle, but that was much more like it at Goodwood, when he hit the line strongly in a muddling race. A very strongly run seven is what he needs, and that looks guaranteed with Audience and Quinault in attendance.
SHADOW DANCE is the way forward in the Ebor (3.35). He has course form, is completely unexposed at this distance, and had a lovely pipe-opener over an inadequate ten furlongs at Goodwood. His draw looks to give his rider plenty of options, and the stable’s horses are running well.
TWILIGHT CALLS has some upside in the Constantine (4.10). He had worked his way down to a seriously dangerous mark before leading home the wrong side in the Stewards’ Cup, and a relatively easy six furlongs is right up his street. A middle draw is fine for a horse with his running style.
DICKENSIAN can take the Listed Roses Stakes (4.45). He was a little sluggish from the gate at Goodwood, but still ran with credit, taking another small step forward form-wise. A faster surface will suit better, while a little drop in grade should see him very comfortable.
WESTRIDGE can take the finale to cap a fine week for the Gosdens (5.20). A somewhat unusual way of running masks a huge talent, and I’m not sure that an eight pound hike for his win at Glorious Goodwood will be enough to stop him.
