Mekong the Stand Out in York Listed Contest

York host a good looking listed staying race on Saturday, with the winner guaranteeing themselves a place in the Ebor in August if they choose to go that route. That is not where I think this weekend’s winner will end up though, I think he is destined for bigger and better things than a handicap. The horse is Mekong from the Sir Michael Stoute yard and he looks ready to have an improved season for me, one that will culminate in him running in group races very shortly.

We have a very recent and important piece of form to note when looking at this race, and this is where many people will see that Mekong is the best option here. He finished second behind the impressive Dee Ex Bee last time out at Sandown, and had two of today’s main challengers, Austrian School and Making Miracles, in behind him on that day.

Sir Michael Stoute’s horses generally improve for their first run of the season, and that is exactly what I expect this horse to do here. On top of that, he was a little short of room in the final furlong or two as Ryan Moore tried to keep him covered up for as long as possible. Had the gaps appeared at the right times for Moore, I think this horse would have finished further ahead of his two rivals that he did.

When you add the fact the he beat them to the chances that he will be even further ahead of them today if getting a clear run and by coming on for his last start, it is clear that this horse is the standout in this contest. I don’t think there is another horse outside of these three who can get involved in the race, and based on that, for me, Mekong is the bet of the day on Saturday, anywhere in the UK.

I also think it is significant that Ryan Moore goes up to York to ride this horse, he was on him last time out and will know what he is capable of. Everything looks to be in place for a massive run from this one, and I think he takes this race before showing us that he is a group performer over the course of the rest of the season.