The final day...

Dear All...

Yesterday was tough and a mixed day overall...

The opener today is an ultra-competitive 7-furlong Listed contest (2:00). I'm not going to linger on it for too long. Regal Parade is a class act and its speed rating is evidence of its very realistic claims for victory here. Adrian's on board for his father which is always a plus.

The one I like though is the seasonal debutante, Dafeef. Very consistent last season, although a little quirky, when trained for Godolphin, but form with Deacon Blues and Bated Breath reads well. Now with William Haggas - first time up for new yard is often the best time to catch an animal reacting positively to its new surroundings - in the blue and white of Sheikh Hamdan. Small stakes but interesting!

Each of this week's contests seem highly competitive. The Melrose (2:30) is no different. Communicator is one of the favourites on the tissue and represents the Bell-Turner combo successful yesterday with Margot Did. However, maybe Hayley cannot do the weight on Wayward Glance so Wayne Lordan has been brought over from Ireland. My three against the field are this one, Masaraat and Romeo Montague; both are identified positively by the trends and in the case of Wayward Glance and Romeo Montague, both fit that dual criteria that I like of carrying a featherweight and winning last time out.

In the Lonsdale (3:05) I am firmly in Duncan's court. Was in front 4 out on the Ascot Gold Cup before its stamina ebbed away in the latter stages. Has the class to win this.

The key to the Ebor (3:450 is the weight and age stats which narrows the filed considerably. We are looking for a 4 or 5 year old carrying no more than 9:4. I am not focussed on any animal in particular but these 3 interest me - Harlestone Times, Blissful Moment and Investissement - I think the winner will come from one of these. All are from stables that know the time of day in these type of handicaps.

In the 5-furlong Listed Roses Stakes (4:15), Gusto will cope admirably with the drop down in trip and win this with something to spare.

I have strong feelings about the Nursery at 4:50 so it's a no bet race for me.

York Glory is the one for me in the last (5:20); could be important in the race for the Jockeys' prize with Fallon jocked up by Kevin Ryan. A bit short perhaps but good RPR and a winner last time out; stable in rare good form...

Happy punting.

Rm(M)