Farraaj favourite with sponsors for Sky Bet York Stakes
Last Updated: 21/07/14 5:30pm
Farraaj has been installed as 4/1 favourite with the sponsors for Saturday’s Sky Bet York Stakes.
Roger Varian’s charge defied a big weight to win the John Smith’s Cup over course and distance earlier in the month and is preferred to last year’s Investec Oaks second Secret Gesture (5/1) in the market.
The Newmarket trainer could be double handed in the Group Two contest with Cameron Highland (20/1) another possible runner.
"Farraaj has come out of his win in John Smith's Cup absolutely fine and looks well. It was a good effort that day - a solid, weight-carrying performance," he said.
"Cameron Highland has got to rediscover his best form but he has been working well since his comeback at Newmarket. He has been a good horse in the past so hopefully he might come back to that."
Godolphin have a strong hand with Tasaday (5/1), Windhoek (11/2) and Long John (10/1) all prominent in the market.
There are 8/1 joint-favourites with the Leeds-based firm for the ultra-competitive Sky Bet Dash on the same card.
Line Of Reason is one of the market leaders as he looks to complete a sparkling four-timer for trainer Paul Midgley.
The lightly-raced Muthmir is the other favourite having shaped encouragingly on his reappearance at Newcastle last month.
Dual course scorer Mass Rally (22/1) was last seen finishing a good fourth to Maarek in the Group Two Duke Of York Stakes over the course and distance in May.
Hoof It (18/1), who captured the prize in 2011, is also engaged along with Ascot winner Discussiontofollow (9/1).
Michael Shinners, Racing PR Manager at Sky Bet, said: "We look set for what promises to be another fascinating renewal of the Sky Bet York Stakes, with several proven Pattern race performers among the entries.
"Farraaj captured probably the most competitive 10-furlong handicap of the season over the course and distance under a massive weight last time out and he is our 4/1 market leader.
"The Sky Bet Dash is all set to be as competitive as ever, with several proven handicappers up against some unexposed sorts."
Sky Bet Dash, Sky Bet odds: 8/1 Line Of Reason, Muthmir; 9/1 Discussiontofollow; 11/1 Kimberella; 12/1 Out Do, See The Sun, Zalty; 16/1 Goldream, Rene Mathis, Secondo, Toofi, Watchable; 18/1 Eastern Impact, Hoof It, Shore Step; 20/1 Body And Soul, Desert Law, Foxtrot Romeo, Secretinthepark, Yeeoow; 22/1 Mass Rally; 25/1 Ancient Cross, Bogart, Fast Shot, Hitchens, Picture Dealer, Pipers Note; 28/1 Dashwood, Duke Cosimo, Forest Edge, Morawaij; 33/1 B Fifty Two, Bondesire, Dark Castle, Lexi's Hero, Mappin Time, Misplaced Fortune, Spinatrix, Whozthecat; 40/1 Barkston Ash, Secret Witness, Soul Brother; 50/1 Rasaman, Tellovoi
Each Way: 1/4 for first 4 place