Paul Ferguson has two selections on Friday; Hawk Mountain in the 3.15 at York and Stagecoach Danman in the 6.15 at Goodwood Compare odds
York’s 2m Bond Tyres Stakes is a fiercely competitive staying handicap but Hawk Mountain (3:15) has a fine record over course-and-distance and looked as good as ever when making a winning return at Musselburgh recently.
The son of Halling beat a well-handicapped horse that day and, if he comes on for the run, he may well be up to defying another 5lb rise in the handicap.
In five starts over today’s course-and-distance the six-year-old has only failed to finish in the first four on one occasion and he won a competitive handicap at the Ebor meeting last August, after which he was allowed to have a crack at the Cesarewitch.
Part-owned by Racing UK and C4 presenter Nick Luck, Hawk Mountain looks fairly priced at 10/1 with William Hill with all firms offering ¼ odds to 4 places.
Another staying handicapper worth supporting on Friday is Stagecoach Danman (6:15) 5/2 Blue Square in the opener at Goodwood for Mark Johnston, who has a good record with his Northern raiders at the track.
The Montjeu colt took a big step forward last time at Haydock, when third to a smart sort, and he appeals as the type the trainer excels with in this type of contest.
The handicapper has been a little cautious with an opening mark of 74, but that could still underestimate his chances now he is up in trip and he looks capable of getting off the mark under Joe Fanning.
Friday’s selections:
3:15 York: Hawk Mountain (10/1 Hills)
6:15 Goodwood: Stagecoach Danman (5/2 Blue Square)
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