My York selections would not encourage anyone to take any notice of what follows. However, LIMATO is the only horse in this field that has won at Group 1 level (twice). At his age (7) a Group 1 over six furlongs is too fast, but 7 furlongs is absolutely fine. Limato has 13 wins from 29 starts. Only 8 times in his career has he dropped below Group 2 level. He won all 8. Conditions are in his favour, and I think he has the class to see off this field. 9/4 is available with Bet365, Victor and Paddy.
For what it's worth (which may not be much) I found my comments on here when previewing this self-same race in 2017: For anyone still retaining misguided confidence in my judgement, Dutch Connection (4.30 Goodwood) is available at 5/4 today when it should really be an odds on chance. It has won on the only two occasions when dropping down to Group 3 level in it’s last 16 outings (the remainder have largely been in Group 1’s) and the ride today goes to Jim Crowley, who has had such an excellent week up at York. orsenkaht, Aug 27, 2017 Edit Report Dutch Connection WON 5/4
LIMATO does carry top weight, but it’s not a handicap, so less of an issue. He is actually 2lb better off than when beating main market rival Suedois at Newmarket in June. The rest of the field have quite a bit to find on what they’ve shown to date.
Limato could well pop in quite easily but the last run it had, even over shorter was not inspiring. Might be a good idea to take it on or have a look at something each way for some value. Suedois/Anna Nerium might run decent races at bigger prices. Anna Nerium has more experience now so dropping back to this distance might suit. There are a few others though so not a punting race for me
True, that last run does need forgiving. But I think that was all about 6furlongs at Group 1 level. He is no longer fast enough for that. 7 furlongs at Group 3 is more within his compass. What you have to bear in mind is that 9/4 represents a 31% chance of Limato winning. I'd rate his chances as considerably better than that under these conditions, so he is a bet for me.
