Paul Hanagan Turf Talk: Why York form is always a good indicator

My two most recent winners at York both have valuable prizes at the headquarters of Flat racing in their sights, '“ and I'm relishing their prospects
Paul Hanagan and trainer Richard Fahey, left.Paul Hanagan and trainer Richard Fahey, left.
Paul Hanagan and trainer Richard Fahey, left.

York form is always good form and I hope that augurs well for Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack hero, Sands Of Mali and for Carnageo, who I was thrilled with last Sunday on Knavesmire.

As Richard Fahey has said, the yard’s two-year-old is in line for the Group 1 Juddmonte Middle Park at Newmarket at the end of the month.

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The youngster is going from strength to strength as demonstrated at the Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

All things are possible in terms of distance as I felt he was doing his best work in the final furlong.

I was delighted with Carnageo in the Hanson Springs Handicap last weekend.

The syndicate owners fully deserved their victory at York – and reactions suggest that a few of them were also on the horse at 12-1!

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Although plans have yet to be confirmed, he is entered in the Cambridgeshire on the Rowley Mile, and that track would suit him as he likes a gallop.

I rode on the opening two days of the St Leger Festival at Doncaster, but I am off to Chester today and tomorrow for a near full book of rides.

As for the final Classic of the season itself, I think the St Leger is an open race, though connections of York winner, Defoe, are sweet on his chance of capping a progressive a summer.

The going everywhere is critical, even more so with heavy showers remaining in most forecasts, so that will be a factor for punters on both sides of the Pennines.

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It’s possible that Knowing Glance, who made his debut at York, might want better ground, but he’s a colt – owned by York Race Committee member Nicholas Wrigley – we like at Musley Bank.

He has more ability than the bare form suggests and I would be hopeful in the nursery at 2.50pm today, though that other great topic of debate, the draw, has not been especially kind.

I was chuffed with Rajar’s run at Musselburgh after a bit of a lay-off. She was third, but beaten only just. She could go well at 3.55pm.

Another handicapper I would be optimistic about is On Fire, from James Bethell’s Yorkshire yard, in the 5.05pm. He’s already won twice this year.

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I continue on the Roodee tomorrow where I am engaged on quite a few horses for leading owner, Dr Marwan Koukash, who loves having runners and winners at the unique track in the Roman city.

You might spot the theme as Gabrial The Tiger, Gabrial’s Kaka and Gabrial’s King each know every blade of grass at Chester and have each won there.

With a little luck, or even the help of an Archangel, at least one will add to their winning tally at the track.

The final meeting at York of 2017 is on Friday and Saturday 13 and 14 October. To find out more and book tickets, visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk.