'He likes York and there are plenty of positives' - trainer quotes for sprint

Sunday: 5.35 York
Sky Bet Sunday Series Sprint Handicap (Class 2) | 6f | 3yo+ (0-100) | ITV4/RTV

Forecast favourite Dakota Gold beat five of these over the course and distance 11 days ago and that is a key piece of form when analysing this contest.

High-drawn horses came to the fore that day and Dakota Gold, who was drawn in stall 21, is back in stall 14 off a 4lb higher mark.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and the fact this course specialist (now 6-11 at York) dipped below a three-figure rating for the first time in nearly three years meant odds of 18-1 were a gross underestimation of his chances. On the strength of his form two seasons ago Dakota Gold is still nicely treated off 102.

However, Asadjumeirah might be able to reverse the form on 4lb better terms for a two-and-a-quarter-length defeat.

Asadjumeirah was running at York for the first time and made up plenty of late ground from way off the pace in what was his first attempt at a helter-skelter big-field sprint handicap.

He'll have benefited from the experience and stall ten gives Cam Hardie options, while this four-year-old is open to more improvement than most in his field.

The performances and progress of high-class sprinter Mondammej is a demonstration of trainer Antony Brittain's prowess with Shadwell castoffs and Asadjumeirah is surely yet to peak.

Julie Camacho (left): runs Raatea in this sprintCredit: David Carr

Raatea is another to consider in the neighbouring stall. The Julie Camacho-trained sprinter has shaped better than the result in two Newmarket races this term and is handicapped to go well under the in-form Dane O'Neill if the cards fall right.

The concern is he flopped on his sole try on the Knavesmire last July, but he seems to have stepped forward since and is worth another chance to prove his suitability to the unique track.

Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

James Horton, trainer of Asjad
We’re going back to a flat track with him as PJ McDonald said he hit every ridge going at Newmarket last time and hated the track. Hopefully stall 20 is a good draw and we go there hopeful of a good run.

Patrick Owens, trainer of Adaay To Remember
She’s done well from three to four but this is a different dynamic of race than she’s run in before. Louis Steward has done a lot of work on her at home and she has a high draw, which may be the place to be.

John Quinn, trainer of Mr Wagyu
He likes the track and has a decent draw but he’s never won for us before June throughout his career. However, it’s the end of May so hopefully he can be thereabouts.

David Barron, joint-trainer of Persuasion
He’s drawn three, which in the old days would have been fine but these days it seems that you’re better middle to stands' side. He ran well on his comeback at Newmarket and he has plenty of speed but we’re still working out if he’s a six- or seven-furlong horse.

Alastair Donald, spokesman for King Power Racing, owner of Premier Power
He was on a bit of a fact-finding mission there last time when he finished close-up over this trip and he’s a horse Tim Easterby has always liked. He goes well on slow ground on his gallops so should be okay with any ease.

Tom Ward, trainer of Capote’s Dream
He needed his first run back the other day and likes the track and hopefully he can kick off on another good run. He won’t mid any ease in the ground so there are plenty of positives.

Antony Brittain, trainer of Asadjumeriah
He was the first off the bridle last time but knuckled down and finished a great fourth. He goes there with another live chance but it’s a very competitive race as you might expect.

Heather Main, trainer of Mister Bluebird
He only just got into the race and has a decent draw so hopefully can build on his win at Ascot last time. It’s a competitive race but it’s great prize-money and he goes there with a decent shout.

Reporting by David Milnes

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