Irv has yet to add to his two successes of last season at York, but has his best chance yet this season to get back in the winners enclosure.
Everything started out fine at Thirsk back in June when possibly running a career best, when finishing second over one mile, off a mark of 82. His next three races were all at York, in two Class 2, and a Class 3 race, biting off a little more than he could chew, and being badly drawn on the third occasion.In September at Pontefract he was once again badly drawn over one mile, but after missing the break was doing his best work towards the end of the race. 10 days ago at Newcastle also over a mile, he weakened from over two out, after being prominent, that was his first run on an artificial surface, and it could pay to overlook that run.
On Friday he steps up to 10 furlongs, a trip which has long been suspected to be what he needs, and from a mark of 75, which is 3lb lower than when he won for the second time at York last year, he could well outrun his odds.The race is at 4.25.pm, and Billy Garritty retains the ride.