The King George at Ascot takes centre stage on Saturday, rightfully so. But there is a nice looking Group 2 contest taking place at York earlier in the afternoon.
The race has a wide-open feel with the removal of Eclipse third Desert Encounter, and the current favourite Autocratic doesn’t appear the strongest at 5/2, despite his Group 3 success last time over the re-opposing Algometer (who probably wants a longer trip).
Any rain would hurt the favourite’s chances, and there are showers forecast on Friday night at York.
With the ground currently on the easy-side the declaration of Ken Condon’s SUCCESS DAYS could be a masterstroke. His trainer doesn’t normally take too many over to the UK, so when he does it’s worth taking note.
A flat-track like York could be perfect for his front-running tactics, and without much other pace in the race, he could steel a march on what looks like moderate competition.
Hathal could be interesting stepping up in trip, but the pick of his form doesn’t match up to the three Group 3 wins for Success Days and plenty of fine runs at Group 1 company to boot, where he is generally found it.
Performances this season have been consistent from Success Days. He was unlucky not to grab a victory on his season opener when giving 3lbs to the winner, before running a fine fourth to Decorated Knight in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup. Four weeks ago he finished a half-a-length behind a rejuvenated Johannes Vermeer when also racing 3lb wrong at-the-weights, but he comes in to this escaping any penalty.
Success Days performs better with a bit of cut in the ground, but even if its closer to good he should be extremely tough to beat.
1.5pts win Success Days @4/1, 15:15 York, Saturday (various bookmakers)