Friday Tote Placepot Tips for York from Architect

Leg 1 Selections: Dark Moon Rising, Bague D’or, Balance Play

DARK MOON RISING, however, has a good record here and won nicely over C&D last time, so even though this is a deeper race, from a higher mark, he must be feared in his current groove. 

I will also include BAGUE D’OR who goes well fresh and was last seen chasing home last year’s Ebor winner Trawlerman at Goodwood off this mark. An unaltered mark of 88 ahead of his return is lenient.

BALANCE PLAY has won his last two starts in good style and could be well-in at the weights as he takes on his elders. He could easily have a say in the outcome and should go well. 

Leg 2 Selections: Courage Mon Ami, River Of Stars, Giavellotto

COURAGE MON AMI lost his unbeaten record in the Goodwood Cup last time but he can be forgiven for that off-day as he previously impressed in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot when he comfortably had Coltrane in behind and will be favoured by the return to much better conditions here. He could get back on track. 

RIVER OF STARS isn’t to be underestimated who is really consistent and loves a battle. She is up in class and distance but it is interesting to see her pitched into the race and I assume Ralph Beckett thinks she holds a better chance than her odds suggest. A new personal best could be on the cards as she is open to improvement.  

GIAVELLOTTO could only make late gains to finish fifth in the Goodwood Cup last time as wasn’t run to suit, so a line can be put through that effort. He is better judged on his previous win here in the Lonsdale Cup where he won with plenty up his sleeve and his record going left-handed in the UK is rock-solid. He cannot be overlooked and must be considered. 

Leg 3 Selections: King’s Gamble

KING’S GAMBLE is the one I want to side with, who brings considerable potential to the table after a smooth success on debut at Newmarket. Although the form is only modest, the manner in which he cruised into contention before sealing the deal within a few strides marked him down as a very nice prospect. He could be the real deal and is my strongest bet on the card. 

Leg 4 Selections: Highfield Princess, Twilight Calls 

Multiple Group 1 winner and defending champion HIGHFIELD PRINCESS has looked as good as ever this year, who was edged out by Bradsell in the King's Stand before taking King George Stakes at Goodwood. She has her conditions and has every chance of becoming a dual winner of this prestigious contest. 

TWILIGHT CALL wasn’t far behind the former in the King’s Stand when fourth though, and would have gone close with a clear passage. He has been freshened up since and has Frankie in the saddle, so Henry Candy’s charge is wildly overpriced with a good chance of at least hitting the frame. 

Leg 5 Selections: Sirona 

SIRONA has Listed winning form (in Germany) and ran a lovely race when runner-up at Newmarket six weeks ago, doing her best work in the closing stages. She should be able to build on that back up in distance and Ryan Moore will ride. Lots to like. 

Leg 6 Selections: Under The Sun, Zain Blue 

UNDER THE SUN has shaped with plenty of promise in both starts, finishing second in each, and was only beaten a neck at Ascot when last spotted. He should be a big player.

John Butler could have a smart youngster on his hands in the shape of ZAIN BLUE though, who ran a really tidy race on his introduction at Newmarket and this Group 2 entrant who was an expensive son of top-class sprinter Blue Point is sure to progress.