Evans Could Land Touch At York

It was a mixed bag for us last Saturday, and Sakhee's Return ran a poor race at Doncaster. I was really optimistic when the ground dried out to good to firm, but unfortunately the race wasn't run to suit. Sakhee's usually likes to slot in behind the leaders, but after a lightning quick break from the stalls he found himself in front. He is much better when he has pace to chase, and evidently front running doesn't suit him. He has more races in him, he just needs things to fall right for him on the day.

Hopefully some of you read my in depth preview of the Hungerford Stakes for Bettingtools, as we gained compensation thanks to a sparkling performance from Richard Pankhurst (adv 14/1). He stylishly came from last to first under a masterful ride from Rob Havlin, finally fulfilling the potential he showed when taking the Chesham in taking style as a 2yo. Home Of The Brave ran another super race back in second, but he may have reached his level. I will be writing a 'Race Of The Day' feature every Saturday exclusively for Bettingtools so keep an eye on my twitter @davestevos for updates.

The Ebor Festival gets underway on the Knavesmire tomorrow, and the highlight is the Juddmonte International. I have no strong fancy for that race, but my advice would be to tread carefully if you are considering having a bet on Postponed. He is currently a 13/8 shot, but I have noticed that there are a heap of bookies enhancing his price for tomorrow's race. That is usually never a good sign, and another negative would have to be the quick underfoot conditions. The ground has been no better than good for his last 5 wins, and when he last raced on good to firm he was beaten at Ascot in a Group 2. I would most definitely be a layer rather than a backer at his current odds.


One horse that seemed to relish the switch to quick ground on his last run was Letmestopyouthere, who goes in the concluding 6f handicap for shrewd handler David Evans. This son of Sir Prancealot was out with the washing on his debut on the all weather at Wolves back in March, but he proved that run to be all wrong with a facile win on his next start in a 5f soft ground maiden at Nottingham. He was then sent to Chester for the Lily Agnes, but he was coltish in the paddock and he blew the start.

Unsurprisingly he was gelded after that run, given a couple of months off, and he reappeared in a handicap at Haydock (6f heavy) off a mark of 75. He was always likely to need that run after his break, and he ran a very encouraging race to finish runner up, beaten less than 2L. However, the run that really caught my eye came last time out in the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury last month (class 2). He may have finished 7th, but it was an absolutely cracking effort and a huge step forward on any form he had shown previously.

He was beaten just 4L behind Mrs Danvers, and more importantly he was carrying 10lb more than Jonathan Portman's subsequent Listed winner. He was just over half a length behind Spritual Lady, another he was conceding 10lb to, and that filly dotted up in a nursery off a mark of 78 on her next run. Letmestopyouthere was closing on the leaders all the way to the line, and he really seemed to enjoy the quick ground. He shaped as though 6f would be absolutely perfect for him, and he gets his first chance at the trip on good to firm at York.

He has been raised to a mark of 83 for that run at Newbury, but judging by how the form of that race has worked out that looks well within his compass. Sam James rode him in the Super Sprint, and his services have been retained for this race. Low number draws are usually beneficial in sprint races at York, and Letmestopyouthere has a grand draw in stall 2. With the ground, trip and draw all in his favour, he could outrun his odds of 33/1 in what looks a wide open nursery handicap.

STEVOS' SELECTION: 4.55 YORK-LETMESTOPYOUTHERE 33/1