Paul Ferguson has one selection for us on Wednesday; Here And Now in the York 15:45. Compare odds and bet.
York’s Ebor meeting gets underway on Wednesday, and although the pick of the action is the Juddmonte International and Great Voltigeur, I’m focusing on the 2m Sky Bet Handicap.
Just Hubert remains a young stayer of interest, despite the fact that I deserted him when he won at Glorious Goodwood last time. Having put him up at big odds previously, it was tough to watch him win at 25-1. A 4lbs rise for that win is fair, and although he would probably want quicker ground, he is still respected and is clearly open to further improvement.
The one I’m taking a chance on is Here And Now (3:45) who won this race two years ago, when selected in this column (I remember it well, watching on my iPad by the side of the pool in Portugal). Ralph Beckett’s six-year-old ran just twice more that season, and only returned from a huge 613-day break when finishing mid-field at Royal Ascot.
He actually shaped a little better than the bare result there, travelling well out the back for a long way, before his effort levelled out. Again, he would ideally probably prefer a sounder surface, but he is bred to handle softer conditions (should the rain continue) and the handicapper has dropped him another 2lbs, leaving him just 5lbs higher than when successful in this race two years ago.
Third in the Melrose in 2017, his form at York reads 331, so I suspect that this race might well have been the target since returning from injury, and he has enjoyed a nice 63-day break since Ascot. He should be a decent price and will be worth supporting each-way.
Wednesday’s selection:
3:45 York – Here And Now; 12/1 Betfred
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