Richard Fahey column: York Ebor Festival runners

SATURDAY

Newmarket

15:20 Lesley's Boy

He’s progressing all the time and I thought he did well to win at Ripon the other day as he wasn’t completely at home on the track. He’s getting more professional and I like his draw in the middle, that will suit him. He needs to come forward another seven or eight pounds to win this but I think there’s more to come.

York

16:10 Admiral D

I thought he ran well when sixth on his return from Haydock which he was perfectly entitled to need. He has loads of ability and no weight to carry. That’s never a bad combination.

16:10 Dare To Hope

He’d been a little unlucky but it went right in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last weekend and I was so pleased to see him win that. He’s up six pounds so needs to do better still but he’s gone well here before and if low numbers remain the place be on the sprint course, well we have a handy spot.

16:10 Strike Red

This is a dangerously well handicapped horse who is absolutely bouncing at home, he's in great form. He ran a solid race in the Stewards’ Cup and if York gets any rain at all, that will definitely help him. He’s ready to win somewhere soon. We just need luck on the day.

17:20 Have Secret

I’ve stuck cheekpieces on him here. He’s been little unlucky with the draws of late. He was posted wide at Yarmouth two runs ago then got all locked up from stall one at Chepstow next time. I do think he’s capable of winning a race like this, he’s in great form and I just hope the headgear helps to sharpen him up. He can just hit a flat spot before coming home strongly.

Redcar

17:30 Sweet Cicely

Jungle Drums will be a hotpot in this and very hard to beat. My filly is ready to start out and I’d be delighted if she was able to finish in the frame.

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