Wednesday 22th August 2018

Henry Smith battled strongly to win for his owners at Bangor-On-Dee on Monday, it was a nice effort on just his third start over hurdles. The pace of the race was strong from the word go whilst Henry Smith found the going quick enough. We might wait for some juice in the ground before running again, likely in a novice with a winner’s penalty.

The York Ebor Festival starts today.

The big race of the afternoon would be the Juddmonte International Stakes at 3:35. Poet’s Word & Roaring Lion would be the two obvious selections. I would just prefer Poet’s Word but wouldn’t be surprised to see Benbatl fill a place at a double figure price.

Cross Counter looks a worthy favourite in the Voltigeur Stakes at 3:00. Cross Counter was very impressive at Goodwood when breaking the track record, he would be my pick of the day, priced at 6-4.