York each-way tip: International Girl can make presence known in wide-open contest
Acklam Express wins at York racecourse
Considering Royal Ascot is just three days ago, York has provided a race card to savour and this big-field handicap sprint to conclude proceedings is no exception.
17:20 York: Fordy Marshall Land and Property Consultants Handicap (6 furlongs).
In a race of this type, most of the 22 starters will line up believing they’re worthy of at least a spot in the frame, although the claims of early favourite Tiriac are probably stronger than most.
Jack Channon’s four-year-old arrives on the brink of a hat-trick, with the second of May’s back-to-back successes coming in a similar race and conditions over this course and distance three weeks ago.
He’s probably earned his well-backed short price, as has his closest market challenger, Holkham Bay, who was the short-head runner-up behind Tiriac in that race and is a pound better off here.
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With five, or even six, places easily available, Tipstrr’s each-way specialists have been out in force, with usual suspects like Equiano Springs, Lucky Man, Another Investment and Muscika just a few of the regular big-field handicappers backed to put themselves in the each-way mix.
Receiving the final seal of approval, however, is Richard Fahey’s capable mare, International Girl, who appears to be on the brink of rekindling former glories.
A winner on career debut four years ago, she chalked up a further three successes, including once over this course and distance, before having to settle for three runner-up near misses in a fruitless six-race 2023 campaign.
Suggested best bet: International Girl each-way in the 17:20 at York
After her eight-month winter break, she blew away a few cobwebs with a promising fourth spot on season debut at Ripon in May, and she quickly followed that up working well down the stretch to win with more than a length to spare at the same track.
That success caught the eagle eye of the handicapper, but his four-pound punishment has been more than negated by the astute booking of five-pound claimer Joe Leavy, who is well equipped to bring another good run out of International Girl.
Fahey has been producing runners in top shape recently (four winners and eight places from his last 21), and if Leavy can pick the right path from their middling draw, then they should be there or thereabouts at the business end of what promises to be a thrilling finale.
- Tip advised by Opal Horses on Tipstrr
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