Duke drifts as York ground deteriorates

Events / Editor / 18 August 2008 /

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New Approach could start as favourite even if The Duke lines up.

Duke of Marmalade has continued to drift on Betfair for tomorrow's Juddmonte International on the opening day of York's Ebor meeting. As the Knavesmire was being soaked over the weekend, so Duke of Marmalade began a dramatic slide on Betfair, so much so that his position at the head of the market is now under serious threat from Epsom Derby winner New Approach.

'The Duke' still tops the Betfair market at 11-8 but, following comments from Aidan O'Brien at Leopardstown on Sunday that he was not a certain runner owing to the sudden deterioration of the ground at York, New Approach has shortened from 3-1 on Saturday afternoon into 15-8 today.

Betfair Spokesman Eoin Ryan commented: "All the rain that York has had over the past 48 hours has really spooked this market and may yet deny us what would be a real clash of the titans. You'd have to think that Duke of Marmalade is now a doubtful runner but even if he does line up he is by no means certain to be sent off favourite. New Approach won't mind the step back to ten furlongs on soft or heavy ground and he continues to shorten in price today.'

The Juddmonte International, York, Tuesday

Betfair bet: 11-8 Duke of Marmalade, 15-8 New Approach, 12-1 Phoenix Tower, 13-1 Pipedreamer, 18-1 Multidimensional, 42-1 Rob Roy, 54-1 Stubbs Art, 74-1 Championship Point, 84-1 Red Rock Canyon, 84-1 Halicarnassus.

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