York betting tips: Killybegs Warrior and Teumessias Fox target frame finish in wide-open Ebor finale

17:20 York: SkyBet Finale Handicap  (1 mile 2 furlongs 56 yards)

Both Killybegs Warrior and Teumessias Fox finished just over a length behind the winner in a Class 2 handicap at Windsor last week, marking a major return to form, with both expected to build on their performances today.

There was only a matter of inches between the pair of them at Windsor and both were only inches behind the runner-up, Andaleep (who also contests this event).

Killybegs Warrior looks to be the one to take from the race, not only because he tried to make every yard and was only overhauled in the closing stages, but also because he finished fourth in last year’s renewal of today’s event, which he contested off a mark of 104.

Having bounced back to form last week, Killybegs Warrior now looks an attractive proposition back in this race off his current mark of just 95 (9lbs lower than last year).

Last year’s renewal took place on good-firm, but the four-year-old returned to this course and distance on his final outing of last season to finish third of 12 in another Class 2 event which took place on soft ground and which he contested off 103.

Best Bet: Killbegs Warrior each-way in the 15:35 at York

He therefore produced very solid placed form in Class 2 handicaps over this same trip on both quick and slow ground, both times off marks significantly higher than today’s.

He can go from the front, but he doesn’t need to lead, as he demonstrated with his recent Newmarket success, when he raced just behind the pace before coming with a strong challenge in the closing stages.

The new cheekpieces, which were introduced at the end of last month, seem to be working very well and the four-year-old wears them again today with James Doyle, who has won on him before, returning to partner him for the first time in seven outings.

Of the others, Teumessias Fox was sent off a clear favourite for last week’s Windsor handicap and he produced his best run on turf since landing a Class 2 handicap over the longer 12-furlong trip on the galloping track at Newmarket (on good) early last season.

He clearly has plenty of stamina for this extended 10 furlongs, so the likely solid pace will play to his stamina strengths, as will the presence of Oisin Murphy, who sticks with him from a handy stall 2 draw and an unchanged mark.

Next best bet: Teumessias Fox each way in the 17:20 at York

 

 

• Preview and tips provided Steve Jones, who runs CD Systems Daily Bargain on Tipstrr