Trainer Talk / Editor / 17 August 2010 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

With York's Ebor meeting taking centre stage this week, we caught up with Michael Jarvis to hear about his leading hopes.

"Almiqdaad has a high draw which wouldn’t be ideal but certainly isn’t impossible. He ran a sound race at Goodwood last time when he was fourth but they just found him out when they quickened down the hill. This track should suit him better as he is essentially a galloper and he must go there (Tuesday 16.40) with a decent each-way chance."

Almiqdaad 4yo bay gelding
Timeform Rating 111
Formfigures 10-2544

Almiqdaad has a high draw which wouldn't be ideal but certainly isn't impossible. He ran a sound race at Goodwood last time when he was fourth but they just found him out when they quickened down the hill. This track should suit him better as he is essentially a galloper and he must go there (Tuesday 16.40) with a decent each-way chance.

Opinion Poll 4yo bay colt
Timeform Rating 120
Formfigures 71-1313

He has won a couple of Listed races this year and he has earned this hike in class. The more rain the better for him and although they are calling it 'good' ground at the moment, a few showers between now and the race (Wednesday 14.15) wouldn't go amiss. He has a chance if it stays as it is, but were it to get much softer, he would have a real squeak.

Rainbow Peak 4yo bay gelding
Timeform Rating 120p
Formfigures 111-21

Rainbow Peak has been in good order of late and has fully recovered from the setback that ruled him out of the Sky Bet Stakes last month. He has been working very well lately and although there is a slight concern about him dropping back a furlong, the long straight at York (Friday, 14.15) should give him plenty of time to get organized. This is a step up in class for him but he is a very progressive horse and he must have a serious chance.

Yaa Wayl 3yo bay gelding
Timeform Rating 109
Formfigures 42-1214

It has been good to see Yaa Wayl do so well this year as he has been a bit of a revelation. As a small, light horse, we weren't sure how he would train on and he has done well with that in mind. He has proven himself a real 7f specialist and he must have a solid chance under these conditions (Friday, 14.50). We have been surprised by how well he has gone on quick ground as we always felt he would prefer some cut. That may still be the case and if it were to rain, I could see him going very close.

Timeform View

Rainbow Peak delivered a fine performance when landing the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot and he is arguably unlucky not to be coming here with an unbeaten record. He has been a 'Horse In Focus' on each of his five career starts to date and it is only a matter of time before he obliges in Pattern company. The Strensall Stakes on Friday looks the ideal opportunity to take another step up the ladder.

One of our regular trainers, Richard Fahey, has a formidable team for this week at York. Find out his thoughts in Timeform's Horses To Follow Extra, available to buy now

Tags: horseracing trainers, Michael Jarvis, Rainbow Peak, York Festival