Who’ll win at York Races? Tips for the John Smith’s Meeting 2018, Day 2

Sat 14 Jul

Sat 14 Jul 2018  @ 9:19am
YorkMix
Sport

The tipsters’ table, York Races, Friday, July 13, 2018

It’s one of the big meetings of the season – and the weather is set to be as hot as the sporting action.

With temperatures forecast to reach 28°C on both days of the John Smith’s Meeting, York Racecourse has relaxed its dress code in the County Stand.

“Gentlemen can leave their jackets at home, though a collared shirt and tie is still required,” officials say.

So which horses should get punters hot under the collar? Over to YorkMix racing pundit Dick Turpin…

Today’s feature race, the William Hill Summer Stakes for fillies (3.15) poses a fascinating conundrum for punters, writes tipster Turpin.

Does the tremendous form of Aidan O’Brien’s Could It Be Love’s second in the one mile Irish 1,000 Guineas trump the promising displays of the always improving Pretty Baby from William Haggas’ yard?

Could It Be Love was only just caught close home in her subsequent race over seven furlongs. Now this drop to six furlongs gives her an exceptional chance. But, having seen Pretty Baby trot up nicely at Nottingham in May, narrow preference is for the Haggas filly.

Every race is a step up, and so far, she has answered every question asked of her. Could It Be Love might be much more highly rated at 112, than her rival on 102; but that mark looks to be her peak, but Pretty Baby may have much more to come.

You’ll have to wait until the last race, the seven-furlong Apprentice Handicap (5.30), to get on Turpin’s ‘next best’ selection.

Byron’s Choice comes here following impressive wins at Catterick and Ayr for Michael Dods. Promising youngster Callum Rodriguez’s can no longer claim a weight advantage, but his growing skill should compensate for that.

It’s his only ride of the day and could complete a double for the Darlington-based trainer if Mister Belvedere obliges in the second race (2.40) with Paul Mulrennan aboard.

Turpin’s tips