French raider Hammerfest looks to hold outstanding credentials in today’s Betfred Ebor at York (3.40) and makes plenty of appeal at 11/1.
John Hammond’s gelding is a consistent sort, and ran a blinder on his only previous visit to these shores when second of 18 to Camborne in the Duke Of Edinbrugh at Royal Ascot.
He travelled really well throughout that contest, but found himself with nowhere to go on the inside two from home and have to be switched to deliver his challenge.
He then looked the liekly winner when taking up the running approaching the last but could find not extra when the winner came witha swooping run down the outside.
The five-year-old was beaten 2 1/2 lengths at the line, and is now 6lb better off with the winner.
That may well be enough for him to reverse the placings, especially as his best form has come with cut in the ground.
He has won five races in France on ground varying from good to heavy, and every drop of rain that falls on the Knavesmire will be in his favour.
Although his wide draw in 21 is not ideal, he has a great pilot on his back in the shape of Jim Crowley and i think he has the class to overome it and land the spoils.
It’s certainly hard to envisage him not being in the thick of the action at the business end of affairs, and he looks good each-way value in a race where I think the favourite Motivado is far too short and has to be taken on given underfoot conditions.
Daily Sport recommended: 3pts each-way Hammerfest (11/1 BetVictor – BOG, Stan James)