York 2.55

THE PROFESSOR -: York 2.55 1 Terentum Star @ 10/1 / 2 Final Venture @ 11/1 - 1/2 point each way (Coral / PP / Sky - odds to 5th)

The main quandary here will be the draw. I always saw York Straight Course as being one that tended to support "arrowhead" results e.g

the middle was the place to be and the pace and winners would come down the middle. In soft you could see low and high having a better

chance. In recent seasons though, there has been a significant "low draw" bias, that The Course seem eager to remove, and in being "over

eager" they may affect any chance of anything drawn low winning. The Going is Good to Firm, so rain and watering should not be a factor;

so hopefully a TRUE draw picture will emerge over the next 3 days and help us in meetings later in the year.

This is a quick and straightforward Flat Sprint Track, it suits Course experts, not so much I think due to the Course which is very flat with

few undulations, but because they run in to a "funnel" as the Finishing line is very close to the corner of the bend so you tend to run right

in to the Stands and that I think can both put some horses off and also lead to misjudgement of exactly where the line is and you almost

have to anticipate the turn as you hit the line. I therefore want to see some proof that a horse can handle this track and is OK on it.

I think TERENTUM STAR brings the best form and ticks most boxes here. drawn in 7 looks ideal to get a tow, should have come on for a

recent run and on a nice handicap mark if you look at form at end of last season. The yard endured a nightmare start to last season but

have started well this year and I will be very disappointed if he is not in the first 5 here with enhanced places to 5th place.

I toyed with a few for my second pick and a few are "In mentions" but I like the pace angle and draw options that FINAL VENTURE offers;

drawn bang in the middle in Stall 10 and a prominent runner. It is better suited to 5 furlongs but has won over 6 furlongs and I think likely

to be right in the battle for a long long way, with trouble in running behind also a strong possibility, I will again be very disappointed if this

horse is not in the first 5 home and indeed; with this being a pretty sharp 6 furlongs, could lead them all the way to the line.