Simcock has Gramercy primed to go one better in York Dash

Gramercy was beaten just over a length by Van Ellis in the Skybet Dash last summer and looks to have been prepared with a repeat bid in mind. He stayed on from the rear at Newmarket behind the useful Nocturn first time out and then finished a respectable fourth to Baby Strange at Newcastle.

He was then sent to Newmarket’s July meeting for the hotly contested Bunbury Cup over seven furlongs. After racing keenly, he gradually faded out of contention but was beaten less than eight lengths by the winner.

That should have put him spot on for today’s race and he is quietly fancied under Pat Cosgrave. This is a typically wide open sprint and one of his main dangers is likely to be Baccarat, trained by Richard Fahey.

Sir Robert Ogden’s four-year-old has only raced six times in his career, winning three of them. One of those victories came over seven furlongs here last May and he will be ridden by Paul Hanagan.

He also put in a reasonable prep for this race when running well for a long way at Royal Ascot. He eventually finished third in his group and ninth overall behind Lightning Cloud. He should be suited by this drop back in trip.

Dick Bos has been running well in some valuable sprints in Ireland whilst Secret Witness has been running better than his form suggests and has a good record here at York. Last time out he was beaten less than three lengths by the speedy Slade Power and has each-way claims.

Amy Ryan gets the leg up on Bogart who has also been competing in better class races and Khubala is bound to be popular with Frankie Dettori on board. He finished fourth in the Wokingham and that form entitles him to a leading chance here.

Tropics has also been the subject of ante-post support this week whilst Mississippi and Fast Shot are others worthy of consideration.

Selection: Gramercy
Danger: Baccarat