Trainer Justin Warwick is confident Infathuated is the horse to beat in the $70,000 Tabtouch York Cup (1500m) if the gelding can adapt to the unique course this afternoon.
The Fath five-year-old has enjoyed a consistent campaign, winning two of his past three races at Ascot and Belmont and will relish the return of senior rider, Paul Harvey.
Drawn barrier six in the field of 10 starters and with noted speed on his outside, Infathuated can find the lead and prove hard to run down over the concluding stages.
“The horse is in good form and depending on how Paul Harvey can get him to go in the early part he won’t be far away, providing he can handle the track,” Warwick said.
Colin Webster, is optimistic Properantes can improve on his first-up run and press for victory, but the veteran horseman is wary of Infathuated’s recent form.
Properantes holds a strong second-up record and should strip fitter after peaking on his run and finishing eighth behind Tradesman at Ascot two weeks ago.
“I think he is up to running a good race in it,” Webster said.
“He has come on from his first-up run and has trained on very nicely.
“He is doing everything right at the moment and I hope he can put in a really good run.
“There are a couple of very good horse in it and Infathuated is the horse to beat.
“His form is impeccable really.”
Infathuated holds $2.60 Tab favouritism with Properantes occupying the third line of betting at $5.
Last year’s York Cup winner, Special Delivery, is a $3 chance.
Julio Santarelli