Ryan launches three-pronged challenge
Kevin Ryan is triple-handed in tomorrow’s William Hill Trophy at York as he aims for further glory on the Knavesmire.
The Hambleton trainer returns to the scene of last week’s memorable Gimcrack and Acomb Stakes double as Distinctly Game, Gifted Gamble and Coleorton Dancer line up in the £75,000 feature.
William Jarvis’s Gimasha and Banjo Patterson, from Geoff Huffer’s yard, both bid to secure a fourth victory on the bounce while David Nicholls’ Tax Free is on top of his game having won three of his four starts to date.
He is the 7-2 market leader with the sponsors while Intrepid Jack won his first two outings this season before being beaten into fourth place by Gimasha last time out.
Richard Hannon’s Marching Song, runner-up behind Gimasha at Windsor last time out, has been well supported today and is now 9-1 from 14s with William Hill.
Clive Brittain believes Excusez Moi has every chance of testing the principals after finishing second behind King’s Gait, who also runs tomorrow, in a decent race at Newmarket’s July course earlier in the month.
“That run at Newmarket was very good, so we are confident,” said Brittain.
“I think his turn will come eventually and the ground is of no concern at all because he has run in all kinds of conditions.
“I have to be confident, but then again I always am.”
William Hill Trophy betting:
William Hill: 7-2 Tax Free, 11-2 Banjo Patterson, 17-2 Gimasha, 9-1 Intrepid Jack, Marching Song, 14-1 Cool Panic, Kings Gait, Viking Spirit, 18-1 Folga, Woodcote, 20-1 Excusez Moi, Salamanca, 25-1 Briannsta, 28-1 Coleorton Dancer, Rainbow Rising, 40-1 Gifted Gamble, 50-1 Don Pele, Harvest Warrior, Obe Gold, 66-1 Distinctly Game.
Totesport: 10-3 Tax Free, 11-2 Banjo Patterson, 9-1 Gimasha, Intrepid Jack, Marching Song, 12-1 Viking Spirit, Woodcote, 14-1 Cool Panic, King’s Gait, 20-1 Excusez Moi, Folga, Salamanca, 25-1 Briannsta, Coleorton Dancer, 28-1 Rainbow Dancer, 33-1 Obe Gold, 40-1 Don Pele, Gifted Gamble, 50-1 Distinctly Game, Harvest Warrior.
