York Ebor / Editor / 20 August 2009 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet View Market

There isn't much to choose between the top sprinters at the moment, so it makes
sense to oppose Kingsgate Native at the odds despite his obvious strengths. One who makes particular appeal at a big price is Moorhouse Lad, who comes good at this time of year and will be sharper for a recent run. Borderlescott looks a solid each-way option.

Benbaun (pictured) is not as good as he was in his prime, when winner of the Prix de l'Abbaye in 2007. He got off the mark for Kevin Ryan last time at the Curragh (seventh course victory) but is likely to find this too tough.

Borderlescott has yet to run to the same level this term as when winning this race last year at Newmarket. He was better than the bare result behind Kingsgate Native at Goodwood last time, though, and has decent place prospects.

Captain Gerrard is a smart performer on his day, finishing fourth in this year's King's Stand and runner-up to Borderlescott in a listed race at Chester last time, but is inconsistent and not really up to this task.

Dandy Man ran his best race of the year when fifth in the King George at Goodwood last time, but that seems about his limit nowadays and it is a long way short of what is required to win this.

Equiano was fourth in this last year having won the King's Stand on his previous start, but has had problems since and is unlikely to be making any greater impact this time round.

Ialysos was unbeaten in Greece and showed he can cut it over here with two wins from four starts, latterly a Group 3 at Sandown. He looked to have a problem last time, but is one of a few that is open to improvement.

Kingsgate Native received a generous weight allowance when winning this as a juvenile. He was just as good when winning a Group 3 at Goodwood last time on his second start back from a failed stud career and is clearly a leading player again.

Moorhouse Lad was runner-up in last year's Abbaye and went as if all ability was intact for a long way at Goodwood last time. He is sure to be a lot sharper for that and could run a big race at long odds.

Mythical Flight was highly successful in South Africa, being a dual Grade 1 winner in 2007, but has stood little racing since and doesn't look good enough.

Reverence is not the same force as when winning this back in 2006 and is unlikely even to make the frame this time.

Tax Free is admirably tough and consistent, and a winner of a listed race at Newmarket and a Group 2 in France this year. His latest Ascot run is easily overlooked but he falls a little below the top bracket.

Amour Propre is a speedy front runner who had been progressing well prior to his Ascot flop, winning four on the trot. His trainer is a dab hand with sprinters, so it would be no surprise if he bounced back.

Art Connoisseur was back with a bang when winning the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot, but there is a strong suspicion that the form is muddling and he has plenty to prove following a disappointing display in the July Cup.

Look Busy is a tough and reliable sprinter who has won eight races in the last two seasons. She faces her stiffest task yet, but is still relatively unexposed over five furlongs and could run into a place at a big price.

Excellerator is a speedy filly who evidently retains all the ability she had at 2 yrs, finishing third in a minor event at Haydock last month. Vast improvement is required in a first-time visor in this company.

Mythical Border is unexposed with just three runs under her belt, winning a Lingfield maiden and finishing third in the Flying Childers. This looks a big ask on her return, though.

Radiohead unleashed a fine turn of foot to land the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. He receives a generous weight allowance as a juvenile and further progress is likely.

Tags: Amour Propre, Art Connoisseur, Benbaun, Borderlescott, Captain Gerrard, Dandy Man, Equiano, Excellerator, Ialysos, Kingsgate Native, Look Busy, Moorhouse Lad, Mythical Border, Mythical Flight, Nunthorpe Stakes, Radiohead, Reverence, Tax Free, York, York Ebor Meeting