York tips for Saturday: Earth Drummer can shake things up in John Smith’s Cup

The Roger Charlton trained gelding developed into a useful stayer last season, landing the Norhumberland Plate in style before finishing a cracking neck second to Big Orange in the Group 2 Goodwood Cup.

Quest For More was also far from disgraced on his final start of 2015 when ninth of 24 in the Melbourne Cup, and there was lots to like about his comeback run in a Listed contest over course and distance when a 3/4 length runner-up to the progressive Moonrise Landing.

This six-year-old shaped as if needing the outing and only gave way close home, and with that run under his belt should now be spot on to do himself justice.

Outback Traveller the City Walls choice

Outback Traveller looked a smart sprinter in the making when scoring last time out, so can take the step up into Listed company in his stride to land the John Smith’s City Walls Stakes over the flying 5f (16:50).

This gelding was having just his third start for trainer Robert Cowell when landing the ultra-competitive 28-runner Wokingham handicap over 6f at Royal Ascot by a head from Brando.

Outback Traveller travelled supremely well throughout and after showing a good turn of foot to take up the running inside the last found plenty to score a shade cosily.

The runner-up has since come out and landed a Group 3 and the third home Glen Moss has also won since to give the form a rock-solid look.

Given the way in which Outback Traveller tanked along on the bridle for much of the contest, the drop back to the minimum trip should hold no fears and he looks the type that could make up into a Group performer now connections have found his forte.

York tips

13.55: Timeless Flight
14.25: The Cashel Man
15.00: One Word More
15.40: Quest For More (NAP)
16.15: Earth Drummer (E/W)
16.50: Outback Traveller (NB)
17.20: Franca Florio

Related

There’s horse racing tips all year in Coral’s dedicated section.