If the Ivan Haggerty-trained 5-year-old Cohort is anywhere near his best form you would expect him to be the horse to beat in today’s Dallimore Carpet Choice York Cup at Northam (2200m).

The Scenic gelding is the class horse of the field with six wins and ten placings from 20 starts including Listed wins in last year’s Belmont Classic and Belmont Guineas.

But since returning from a Melbourne campaign he has failed to recapture his best winning form with four placings from six starts including a last start fourth to Marine Drive when starting an odds-on favourite.

He has proven costly to punters but it may pay to keep the faith and rely on his class to prevail once again this afternoon.

Goldtown from the Steve Wolfe camp must also be considered on recent form that includes a last start third to Marine Drive at Belmont Park.  That run followed several solid efforts in Kalgoorlie when finishing just outside Reverend Lovejoy and Gondorff in the Coolgardie, Boulder and Kalgoorlie Cups. 

Impact Rating has been a great earner for connections but it’s been fair while since his last win in the Esperance Cup.  His best effort in recent times was a third placing to Reverend Lovejoy in the Boulder Cup and a fifth to Gondorff in the Kalgoorlie Cup but he blotted that form last start when he failed to beat a runner home in the Baileys Coffee Handicap at Belmont Park.

Collecting has been a model of consistency this preparation with two wins and three placings from her last six starts.  Today will be her toughest test to date but she is racing in good form and will be in with a definite chance on her best effort.

Dr Johnson mare Wanna Play Doctor has looked impressive with two wins and a third placing from her four career starts.  This will be her toughest test to date but Grant Williams has a fair opinion of the horse and don’t be surprised by a forward showing.

Selections: Cohort, Collecting, Goldtown and Wanna Play Doctor.