Optimistic of a double in Knavesmire’s charity meeting

My boss, Richard Fahey, always has plenty of runners at Knavesmire, so I think I’ve got plenty of good prospects over the next two afternoons.

It’s undoubtedly very competitive racing over the two days, but at a great racecourse like York that’s what everyone expects.

In my view, the two Ms give me my best chances of winners – Mr Optimistic today and Majestic Myles tomorrow.

I start off today on Pen Bal Crag in the Acturis EBF Maiden Stakes at 2.10pm. He ran well to finish third on his racecourse debut at Ripon last month over the minimum trip. The only question in my mind is whether he might eventually be better suited by an extra furlong. He’ll have certainly come on for his first run.

My principal hope for the day’s racing is Mr Optimistic in the Charles Clinkard Fine Footwear Anniversary Stakes at 4.25pm.

He has won two of his three starts to date this season, the only reverse being his fifth place at York during the Dante meeting last month. However, he had legitimate excuses that day because he got boxed in. Once he was out in the clear, he was finishing very well indeed.

I also quite fancy Corsicanrun in the 4.55pm – the Betfair Classified Stakes. I think 10 furlongs will be his trip, and in a smallish field I think he has a favourable opportunity.

It’s York’s big charity day tomorrow – the most successful charity day in racing – when a six-figure sum will be raised for Macmillan Cancer Support.

On the track, I reckon my main chance of a winner comes in the 3.15pm Bond Tyres Trophy, the feature handicap, on Majestic Myles.

He has won four of his seven career starts, but he will be bidding to break his Knavesmire duck at the third attempt.

He won on his sole start to date this year, at Newmarket a couple of months ago. My home yard of Richard Fahey saddles a few in what will be a very competitive contest of 20 horses. I get first pick of the runners, and I’ve gone for Majestic Myles because he’s in very good form.

In the race before that – the Ladbrokes.com Stakes at 2.40pm – I partner Kay Gee Be. He’s seven years old and has made an excellent start to his 2011 campaign, with two wins from three runs. He’s absolutely flying and would have a good chance of following up his victory at Ripon last month. He should certainly be there or thereabouts at the business end of the race.

Adlington would have a decent chance, too, in the Give Generously To Macmillan Stakes at 3.50pm. He won for me at Musselburgh last weekend when he was a warm order, and has the chance to make it two wins in two weekends.

Although I’m not in action on Saturday until the second race at 2.40pm, don’t miss the opener half-an-hour earlier. I can’t ride in it for two reasons – I’m a professional jockey… and I’m a man! It’s the Queen Mother’s Cup for lady amateur riders. The one-and-a-half-mile race will be hugely competitive as always, and it looks to be a cracking renewal. A week on from the royal connection to Epsom, it’s interesting to note that the Princess Royal rode the winner of the race exactly 23 years ago tomorrow!

Since 1971, York’s June charity meeting has raised over £5m for good causes. Just by attending on either day, racegoers will be helping to raise money for cancer-related charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support. The first races on both days are at 2.10pm. Admission ranges from £5 to £24 today and £7 to £34 tomorrow, with accompanied under-16s entering free. Further details can be found at www.yorkracecourse.co.uk