Wednesday 13th May

York
2.10 Photographic 1.5pts win - 2nd
3.10 Equiano 0.5pt E/W - unpl
3.45 Serious Impact 1.5pts win - 3rd
King Fingal 0.25pt win - 4th
Dazzling Light 0.25pt win - 2nd
4.20 Starburst Excel 1pt win - 5th

(-5.5pts)

All bets proofed to the Racing Post

The first race at York contained a number of horses in my notebook; Checklow, Stone Of Scone, Moonquake and Meethaaq and Red Kestral. With two of those going off 5/1 co-favs I couldn't get sufficient value in backing a group of runners so decided to leave the race alone. All five ran with credit and I will continue to monitor their entries.

Michael Hills lost his position on Photographic as she was shuffled back from front rank to almost last in the first couple of furlongs. Despite this she cruised through the field and took it up a furlong out. She was cruelly undone by the strong finish of Brief Encounter but lost nothing in defeat. With a more competent ride it's possible she would've had an unassailable lead. The handicapper may re-assess her as at the moment, off a mark of 89, she must be one of the best handicapped 3yo fillies in the country.

Serious Impact travelled extremely well in the 3.45 and looked the winner for the most part. He could only finish 3rd come the finish, perhaps he didn't get home over 1m4f, perhaps he got there too early, perhaps he could have been sent on by Dettori, perhaps this race came a little too soon in his career? There were plenty of theories to choose from, whatever the reason, I'm certain he will turn out to be better than any of his rivals in this and he will surely gain compensation soon. Dazzling Light (2nd), King Fingal (4th) and Cyborgo (5th) all ran with credit also and will pay there way in handicaps throughout the season.