The first pick on Day Two of York’s May meeting is SPARTAN ARROW (2:10 p.m.). Even though he had a rough start, he ran a fantastic race last year for someone so inexperienced, and his new trainer is excellent at enhancing this kind of horse and keeping up their development. There are other older inmates here, but this more recent prisoner can do a decent job because he has less convictions. At 2:42 p.m., SISYPHEAN is most appealing. Although he hasn’t raced much in his first two seasons, this attractive horse with a strong pedigree has a lot of room to grow. Last year, the wind op seemed to work, but his last run was on really soft footing, which he won’t have enjoyed. Better judged on earlier efforts, including here, he has more to offer, especially with Ryan Moore to help.
A few people in the Middleton may be surprised by NAKHEEL (3:13pm). Although they have the right to come on for them, I wasn’t impressed with either of the market principals’ comebacks, and she’s only a few pounds below the top rated. She is bred to keep improving, and the trainer is adamant that she is working with greater vigor and pace this year. Last year, the selection appeared slow to learn and was further campaigned. At 3:45 p.m., DAMYSUS might be a pleasant all-around play in the Dante. In the Acomb, The Lion in Winter (very fine version) has some of the best credentials and could not have been more magnificent. He has a good chance of winning both this and the Derby, but you would need to be wary about launching into one at short odds who has been off quite so long and who is forced to contest a race that is hardly the trainer’s favourite trial.
As a result, it is appealing to wager on huge odds to get one in the frame. William Buick gave Damysus a beautiful seasonal introduction, and considering the manner in which the race was conducted, he did very well to end. Expect to see a lot more in the locker from this flamboyant and fluid son of Frankel, considering that was only his second start. This track is ideal for galloping. TROPICAL STORM can win the Westow by building on his comeback (4:18pm). Last time, in a typical Rowley Mile pace-dictated race, he was out the back, going on beautifully but never getting close. He should be a tough nut back at the location of his greatest victory if that has sharpened him from what may be a very good draw.
