Strensall Stakes 2013

3.05 York

Sky Bet Strensall Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner £42,532

Advice: 3 pts win Pavlosk (11/4 general)

Danadana: Won at this very meeting last year and landed the Huxley Stakes on his return, but since last on other two outings; Has excuses for the two runs, but carrying penalty, has something still to prove and looks vulnerable.

Archibishop: Made amends for disappointing failure in Acomb Stakes at this meeting in 2011 with fine 3yo season, second at Chantilly in well contested Group 3 before dead heat at Goodwood; Turkey Group 2 now looks rather solid and gives him every chance if at best from after nearly a year off.

City Style: Poor recently at Haydock, but UAE form gave him a fine chance and trip might have stretched him recently on first run since March; In the reckoning surely and can take a big hand if in better form. 

Gabrial: When giving full effort, more than capable of running well enough to play a big part here, although weak at the end of similar trip at Epsom and dwelt badly at Pontefract latest in a race that doesn’t look as tough as this one; More needed.

Robin Hoods Bay: Continued his progression of late on Turf with fine win in Haydock handicap latest, well in command before finish off 101; Entitled to take a hand here and Murtagh booking encourages much, so shortlisted at the least.

Red Avenger: Has been much improved upped to 10 furlongs last thrice, winning well at Haydock and then second in valuable handicaps at July Festival and Glorious Goodwood latest; This required a lot more of him and not sure that he wants drop in trip.

Pavlosk: Promised big things when she romped to listed victory here back in May (1m, soft) but raced too prominently in a fiercely run and high class field for the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot; Only fifth latest in Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood but never got any real chance of a winning shot thanks to dreadful position; Should have no such problems over this longer trip and with only six rivals; Can go close.

VERDICT: PAVLOSK looked a little special when romping a Listed race here and hasn’t had anything go her way since, but over a trip that should suit with Ryan Moore having only six rivals to negotiate, she has every chance to make amends here. Archbishop has a form chance, while Godolphin’s five wins in the last nine runnings turn a head towards City Style.