GYTO Saturday Notebook Double

There might only be 7 runners heading to post for this but it’s a good race with any of the top 4 capable of taking it out. I do like MOUNT ATHOS though as he was an impressive winner over C&D last year and has continued to improve since winning easily the last twice at Kempton. He goes forward and likes to dictate and with no obvious pace they might not see which way he goes here. He also has race fitness on side over a few of these and that could prove crucial in him getting first run. I really respect Escobar as we know he is a very smart handicapper on his day and he did win fresh last season at York so I wouldn’t underestimate him. He will be ridden last though and the selection might be away and gone by the time he gets going. Spycatcher is also proven fresh and might even prove a more imminent threat.

I love this time of year as we start to see some promising young horses progress through the ranks. I am hoping one of those will be JACKIE OH for Aidan O’Brien. This Galileo filly created a big impression winning on debut at Naas last month and with this step up to a mile and a quarter likely to prove ideal I think she can remain unbeaten here. She beat the more fancied stablemate Red Riding Hood last time and that filly has since opened her account at Dundalk to frank the form. She holds an entry for the Oaks in June and connections are clearly hopeful she could have a bright future. Saxon Warrior filly Lumiere Rock shaped with promise before opening her account at the Curragh on final start. She obviously has more to come this season but lacks a run. Foniska also has potential but this is definitely a step up.