Coral Racing Ambassador, Hugo Palmer, shares his thoughts on his runners at Newmarket and York this weekend, including the exciting Ardisia!

14:05 York – Grey Cuban

We have had a very productive week at Tattersalls, buying twelve horses over the three days of Book 1, many for existing owners, which is great and a positive reflection of the season we’re having. Today we run three at York and one at Newmarket, starting on the Knavesmire with Grey Cuban. The rain has finally come for this fellow. He’s had a delayed start to his season because of the dry summer but he’s run very well on his last two runs; finishing second and third - both times in Listed company and I hope he can be very competitive again here, back in handicap company.

14:25 Newmarket – Mia Fantasia

This horse is going to need to take a step forwards and any further rain Newmarket gets will help him. He ran well from an unpromising position in the Solario Stakes at Newmarket last time out, to finish fifth and we’re stepping him up to a mile here so hopefully that will help him find that improvement.

15:17 York – Ardisia

Ardisia is another one who likes the softer ground, so it’s really pleasing the rain has come at York.  He ran well in the Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup last time and when he can get his toe in, which he will here, he’s at his best, so there’s no reason he can’t be competitive again here.

17:07 York– Be The Standard

Be The Standard is yet another who probably likes a bit of cut in the ground, we’re stepping him back up in trip here, I think this is his best trip.  He ran very well on his first start back after a break last month, finishing second and hopefully he can take another step forward from that here.

Hugo Palmer, Coral Racing Ambassador