Thoughts on Andaleep
Andaleep takes his place in the 2.45pm at York’s Dante festival on Friday 17th May. William Buick will be in the saddle in the 1 mile 2 furlong and 56 yards handicap. Buick hasn’t ridden Andaleep before, which in some cases would be a negative however this gelding thrive’s whenever the jockey on board hasn’t ridden him before, in fact since joining Sarsen Farm no jockey has won on him twice!
Andaleep has enjoyed a good winter campaign and took his tally to 8 wins and a £119,000 in prize money since joining the yard almost exactly two years ago. He switches back to turf after a brief freshen up. He was an impressive course and distance winner last season and it’ll be interesting to see how a repeat of that run stacks up in this higher grade of race. The extended ten furlongs looks an almost optimal trip for him.
The race as one would expect is highly competitive. Majestic brings high class form, the big question for him is if he is quite as effective over this slightly longer trip. Botanical is very lightly raced and was impressive on his final start last season, beating subsequent Lincoln winner Mr Professor by six lengths. That run was a step forward on his previous good efforts. Theoryofeverything has made a good start for new connections. Epic Poet is another horse that has switched hands and has the profile to go well here if ready to run his best on his first start. Reach was a course and distance winner when last seen and although six has had just ten starts and can continue to progress.
Andaleep runs for owner James Finch. He will be led up by Shannon Pasotti who rides and cares for him daily at home.