The Ballydoyle trainer won the Ebor with the smart Mediterranean in 2001 and Changingoftheguard also boasts an impressive CV, having improved no end since chasing home Stoute's Harbinger at Chester in May and winning the Ulster Derby at Down Royal the following month without breaking sweat. The value looks to have gone, but the colt is a must for a saver.
Claims that high number stalls are the kiss of death hold precious little water - the last two York winners (the race was run at Newbury in 2008 after the meeting was abandoned due to waterlogging) came from 14 - and trainer Clive Cox remains enthusiastic about the prospects of Red Merlin, who starts from 15.
Successful in his last three races, Red Merlin ticks all the right boxes and, though unproven at the trip, Cox feels optimistic that he will stay, while the booking of Mick Kinane for the in-form Willie Mullins-trained Deutschland looks significant.
Tomorrow's York TV selections
1.45 Class Is Class; 2.15 Enroller; 2.50 Showcasing; 3.25 Warringah.
