3 minute read

York's Ebor Meeting opening day saw some good racing and none better than Ghaiyyath's win in the Juddmonte International.

While there were only  5 horses in the race, it was a high calibre field.  Buick settled Ghaiyyath at the head of the field and when he heard some competition happening around the 300m mark he gave his horse a squeeze and that was the closest they came to him. It may well be the Arc next as Appleby says they have learnt so much more about the horse since last year and the horse himself has improved out of sight.  In the International Magical was 3 lengths away second followed by Lord North.

Earlier our advice to keep Mark Johnston's runners safe paid off in the Acomb when Gear Up won at 9/1.  Spycatcher ran well for second on 20/1 and Braxi third on 28/1.  Favourite Cloudbridge was unimpressive.

Pyledriver came back a winner again in the Great Voltigeur.  Starting on 10/1 he finished ahead of Highland Chief 11/1 and favourite Mogul.

Thursday is "Ladies Day" with fine weather promised so the girls both equine and human can show off!  The Lowther Stakes is G2 for the 2yo fillies with two daughters of Exceed and Excel amongst the favourites.  They are Sacred on 15/8 for William Haggas and Tom Marquand and Hala Hala Hala 13/2 for Kevin Ryan and William Buick.  Santasha is on 11/2 and Sussex Gardens 10/1.

The Yorkshire Oaks sees everybody's sweetheart Love odds-on to head home her  rivals.  One Voice and Franconia are considered the best of these and are on 7/1.