York Preview: Kalk can keep rivals at Bay

York stage a cracking seven-race card today, and Kalk Bay looks primed to take all the beating in the 7f handicap (3.40).

The Mick Easterby trained gelding has not scored since landing a 1m 2f handicap at Beverley back in August 2012 off a mark of 77, but has run a number of solid races to be placed in competitive handicaps.

They include when runner-up to Danadana in a class 2 contest at this track off 83 and Kalk Bay’s form figures at this venue in big field handicaps is 2,4,3.

That makes good reading, and the seven-year-old’s two runs this season have both been hugely eye-catching.

In the first of those Kalk Bay stayed on strongly to finish a 3/4 length third of 17 at Pontefract after getting badly hampered at a crucial stage, and the son of Hawk Wing was then desperately unlucky in-running when sixth of 12 at Musselburgh last time out.

Kalk Bay finished full of running in the latter, leaving the distinct impression that he was a winner waiting to happen.

In the 6f handicap (4.10), course specialist Royal Rascal looks to have everything in her favour to get back to winnings ways.

The Tim Easterby’s filly has notched all three of her career successes over course and distance, with the last of those coming in a Listed contest back in 2012 off an official rating of 101.

The daughter of Lucky Story has shaped as if coming back to her best in three starts this season, finishing an excellent fifth fifth of 20 to Aetna over course in a stronger contest than today’s on her penultimate start before chasing home Bondesire at Chester last time out.

Royal Rascal got beat just 1/4 lengths in the latter, and now meets the winner on 6lb better terms.

That should be more than enough to see Royal Rascal reverse the placings, especially if responding well to the blinkers which are now fitted for the first time.

Selections:
2.00: Al Gomry
2.30: Connecticut
3.05: Sudest
3.40: Kalk Bay (NAP)
4.10: Royal Rascal (NB)
4.40: Bohemian Rhapsody
5.15: Christmas Light