Hugo Palmer: The inside track on my five Saturday runners

Hugo Palmer
25 August 2017

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Betfair Ambassador Hugo Palmer gives his verdict on the chances of his five Saturday runners including Best of Days, Baydar and Gifted Master...

"I could have run Gifted Master in the City of York Stakes over further, but I really want him to have more opportunity to prove himself as a sprinter, and although it was only a four-runner race he won at Doncaster last time, I thought he looked back to something close to his best"

York, 14:25 - Bush House
I was really pleased with how well Bush House won over 11 furlongs at Kempton last time, and while he's not exactly bred for this trip, he's by Canford Cliffs, the sire of Wall of Fire who won this for me last year, and he does nothing in a hurry at home, so I think there's a chance he'll get the trip.
I've had a chat with his owners and we're happy to give him a chance. Wall of Fire is rated 110 now, and while I wouldn't say that Bush House will rise to such a lofty rating, he certainly compares favourably with Not Never, who was a close second for us in this race two years ago.
He likes to get his toe in, and while I'd welcome a bit more rain, the ground hasn't dried out quickly here at York and I'm confident it won't be fast, while I'm more than happy with stall 5, which seems to be the default draw for my runners this week.

York, 16:10 - Encrypted

Aside from when winning his maiden, Encrypted has shaped like a five-furlong performer through and through, although he had no chance to prove that in heavy ground at Goodwood. He comes from a good Juddmonte family and while it could ruin a lenient nursery mark if he runs well here, I'd prefer to gain valuable black type than go the handicap route.

Newmarket, 16:25 - Gifted Master

Like a few of mine to run at this meeting, Baydar does not want very fast ground, and the rain we had on Wednesday did enough to ensure the ground will be suitable for him. He's not had things go his way this season, meeting all sorts of bother and finishing on the bridle at Goodwood last time.

As a result, he's slipped to within 1lb of his last winning mark; he's never looked stronger, and is in great form at home, so I hope he can translate that to track. I've fitted him with cheekpieces just to help him travel.

York, 16:40 - Baydar

I could have run Gifted Master in the City of York Stakes over further, but I really want him to have more opportunity to prove himself as a sprinter, and although it was only a four-runner race he won at Doncaster last time, I thought he looked back to something close to his best, and William Buick was very complimentary about him.

It's great to have him back as he was very sick earlier in the year, and while he would have to right up to his peak rating to win what looks a really competitive race, there's no reason to think he's not at his best, and he's well drawn to go forward from the inside stall.

Windsor, 18:40 - Best of Days

Best of Days has been slow to come to hand this year, but the signs were much more encouraging at Newbury last time despite the really soft ground not helping. Oisin Murphy rode him there and said it was only his guts and class which allowed him to go as close as he did.

The ground won't be anything like as bad at Windsor, and I expect him to put up an improved performance as a result. He's a horse who has given us cause to dream about the big days, and is working well again; it would be wonderful to get him back in the winners' enclosure, but this is a deep race and there will be no hiding place.

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