HANNON STRONG SUIT AT NEWMARKET

Newmarket 14:05 Burj Khalifa Challenge Stakes (Group 2)

STRONG SUIT had a breathing operation after being well beaten behind Frankel in the Greenham and has returned in great style, landing the Jersey Stakes and Lennox Stakes over this trip. He's probably capable of making further progress and this should be within his capabilities. Chachamaidee is another making great strides and produced her best run to date when just a length behind Sahpresa in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes over a mile here a fortnight ago. Sir Henry Cecil's filly is probably even better at this trip and looks certain to go well. She holds both Rimth and Maqaasid on their run in the Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood in July though the latter, who started favourite that day, had a poor run and can do better. Across The Rhine and Giant Sandman are penalised for Group 3 victories and will need to improve to get involved.

York 14:20 coral.co.uk Handicap

Haajes won this cavalry charge last year with Strike Up The Band behind and though he has plenty in his favour today, he won't want the ground to get any faster. He won at Doncaster last month, however, and is closely matched with the re-opposing Eland Ally, Lujeanie and Indian Trial, who filled the places on that occasion and can be given a chance here. The speedy Taurus Twins and Bronze Beau are others to consider, but a chance is taken on LIVING IT LARGE. Twice a winner already this season, all ground comes alike to Ed de Giles' sprinter and he's dropping in class and is only 1lb higher than his win at Epsom in July.

Newmarket 14:35 Emaar Middle Park Stakes (Group 1)

Family One, runner-up to the outstanding Dabirsim in the Prix Morny, had Frederick Engels around three lengths behind that day so the form looks very useful. The latter is a good yardstick as he finished a couple of lengths behind Lilbourne Lad and Reply in the Phoenix Stakes and neither of that pair could handle CASPAR NETSCHER in the Gimcrack. Alan McCabe's youngster probably didn't need to match that level of form in the Mill Reef at Newbury subsequently but confirmed his quality and is thriving with racing. Bapak Chinta would have been a strong fancy at York but had a slight setback. His debut victory over Frederick Engels and Norfolk Stakes success over Boomerang Bob stamped him as one to follow and today's extra furlong looks just what he requires so he's a big threat.

York 14:50 Green Tick For Better Odds At coral.co.uk Handicap

Sadeek's Song and Dick Doughtywylie have plenty of scope and will be of interest on their handicap debuts. The former makes more appeal than the other Godolphin representatives Roayh and Janood, while the latter made all to win at Chester a fortnight ago. However, ELECTRA STAR has the form in the book having already won a couple of handicaps and was far from disgraced in Listed company at Newmarket last time. Willie Haggas' filly can continue to progress back in this grade. Weapon Of Choice is another with a couple of wins under his belt and looks more worthy of trust than the inconsistent Oceanway.

Newmarket 15:10 Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1)

Aidan O'Brien had a very strong hand at the entry stage but POWER was always likely to be his representative as he's top of the pecking order among the Ballydoyle colts. The son of Oasis Dream never does things easily but his battling qualities and turn of foot should prove too much for these rivals though there are a couple of relatively unknowns in the contest. Bronterre easily outpointed the useful Justineo in a Listed contest at Goodwood and could be well up to this exalted level and, though Ektihaam will need to make further progress, he impressed at Doncaster and is worth his place in this line-up. Parish Hall was behind Power when the latter was surprisingly beaten in the Phoenix Stakes but that wasn't his running and he did much better when runner-up to Dragon Pulse in the Futurity. Spiritual Star landed his maiden in a hack canter, as did Most Improved, but much more is needed as they step up to the highest level.

York 15:25 coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes (Listed)

Bannock was big disappointment in last week's Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar though he'd reportedly missed some work and has the best proven form if back on song. Roger Sez had Miss Lahar and Luv U Forever well behind when winning a Group 3 at Ayr three weeks ago, but that was such an improvement on her previous form that it could be she needs testing ground to show her best. A chance is taken on SWISS SPIRIT, who won his maiden over C&D in June and looked in need of the outing in the Mill Reef at Newbury last time on his return from a three-month break. Desert Gazelle and Semayyel both have a bit to find on their return to sprinting.

Newmarket 15:50 Betfred Cesarewitch (Heritage Handicap)

Despite a massive 14lb rise for his latest success, Rainforest Magic is a potential blot on the handicap and the only doubt is the going as it was good ground when he scored twice at the Galway Festival. If the rains arrive, he's the one to be on but with the ground currently fast is taken on with COSIMO DE MEDICI, whose connections were delighted he picked up a penalty for landing the trial for this last month as it got him into the handicap. He looks on the upgrade and, though this is a stiffer task, should be in the firing-line at the finish. Never Can Tell, Kazbow and Colour Vision are all very closely matched on recent Chester form though that track bears absolutely no resemblance to this. La Estrella did her winning on Fibresand but like many of these is well weighted with Veiled on their run in the Ascot Stakes and any one of half-a-dozen could reverse the form with the winner, especially runner-up Ermyn Lodge on the revised terms. Keys is another progressive stayer with a real chance while Beyond looks as though he's been laid out for this by the Pipe yard who are no strangers to success in the event.

York 16:05 Coral Sprint Trophy Handicap

Nocturnal Affair beat the re-opposing Ancient Cross less than a length at Doncaster last month and that pair are closely matched here, while the revitalised Internationaldebut landed a hat-trick last month, though he's now 10lb higher than his latest win in a handicap. Son Of The Cat came out just ahead of Colonel Mak when third in the Ayr Gold Cup three weeks ago and will appreciate today's faster ground, but the tentative vote in such a competitive sprint goes to the progressive SIRIUS PROSPECT. He landed a double last month, beating Lutine Bell and Castles In The Air in the process, and Dean Ivory's gelding is taken to go in again despite a 7lb higher mark. Addictive Dream anda Racy are others to consider.

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EKTIHAAM READY FOR DEWHURST TEST

Roger Varian's Ektihaam bids to show he is as good as his home reputation suggests when he takes a big step up in class in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

The youngster certainly looked the real deal when winning a typically warm Newbury maiden on his racecourse debut and he then ran away with the same conditions race at Doncaster that the mighty Frankel had won 12 months earlier.

He will face a far sterner test this weekend with proven Group One winner Power in the line-up but Angus Gold, racing manager for owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, believes the colt is ready to test his powers at the highest level.

"He's done very well so far and we'll see whether he's good enough. It's the same situation for a lot of them and there is no better race to find out," said Gold.

"He's potentially a very nice horse and a big, scopey individual who is very much one for next year.

"But he's got plenty of talent and if he could run well in a Dewhurst it would be a bonus.

"Power is a Group One winner and an established horse and Bronterre has won a Listed race.

"They are all potentially nice horses and we'll see who makes the leap forward.

"Ektihaam is a great big horse and I'm sure if we got some rain overnight that is not going to inconvenience him.

"I'm not saying he needs it easy but he is a big galloping horse and probably wouldn't want it too firm."

Brian Meehan believes Most Improved is of a similar ilk to his other classy juveniles of recent years as he puts his credentials on the line in tomorrow's Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

Meehan has been lucky enough to handle some speedy youngsters like 2008 Racing Post Trophy first and third Crowded House and Skanky Biscuit and 2007 Dewhurst runner-up Fast Company.

With those performances not too long ago, Meehan should have a good idea of what it takes to win the big two-year-old races at the end of the season.

Having just been touched off on his debut at Newmarket, Most Improved then bolted up by five lengths back at Headquarters and the runner-up has since won by a yawning 10-length margin.

"He was so much more effective the second day, and we got a real good look at him," Meehan told the Independent.

"He's a lovely, progressive colt with a wonderful temperament and takes everything in his stride.

"The form is working out great, his work since has been very good, and he reminds me a lot of other good horses we've taken the same kind of route - the likes of Fast Company and Crowded House."

A big two-year-old race would not be the same without a representative from the Richard Hannon yard and he runs two, Bronterre and Trumpet Major.

Bronterre is unbeaten after winning a Salisbury maiden and a Listed event at Goodwood while Trumpet Major landed the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, beating the reopposing Red Duke.

"We run Bronterre (Richard Hughes) and Trumpet Major (Johnny Murtagh) in the Dewhurst Stakes and, though it looks a hot renewal, I could not be happier with them," said Hannon.

"Sure, this is a big jump up in class for Bronterre, but he could not have been more impressive when winning his Listed race at Goodwood by five lengths and though he is just starting to go in his coat, he moved beautifully for Hughesie in a spin up the all-weather at Herridge on Tuesday and seems at the top of his game.

"Trumpet Major showed that his Sandown form was all wrong when he won the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster and while we had him entered in what looked a soft Group One in Italy on Sunday, his owner, John Manley, was keen to run here.

"With the 'Major' rated a pound above Bronterre, he is fully entitled to take his chance," he told his website.

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HIGH HOPES FOR BAPAK CHINTA

Kevin Ryan returns to the scene of his first major victory as he unleashes Bapak Chinta in Saturday's Emaar Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

It was in this race in 2005 that Amadeus Wolf gave the Hambleton-based trainer a breakthrough Group One, which was quickly followed in the same season by Palace Episode in the Racing Post Trophy.

Bapak Chinta started his career in what could have appeared a moderate maiden at Hamilton but it turned out to be an outstanding one, as he beat subsequent Royal Ascot winner Frederick Engels by three lengths.

Ryan's colt went on to Royal success in the Norfolk Stakes but has not been seen since, having knocked himself during light exercise when being prepared for the Nunthorpe at York.

"He's very well and will love the ground. He didn't miss too much time out and he goes into the race in great form," said Ryan.

Caspar Netscher and Alan McCabe attempt to continue what has already been an unforgettable season.

The juvenile has run eight times so far, but broke what was becoming a frustrating run of placed efforts when capturing the Gimcrack Stakes at York.

Newbury's Mill Reef Stakes followed and now the final leap to Group One level awaits.

"He looks well, he's been keeping to his old routine, and there's no difference now from when he won the Gimcrack and Mill Reef," said McCabe.

"We were concerned about the rain before the Gimcrack but Robert (Winston) said he did it very easy that day and he held his form in the Mill Reef.

"We haven't changed anything, we keep him to his routine and he's the same, if not better than he has been all year."

Family One, trained by former jockey Yann Barberot, has won four times this season including the Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte.

He was beaten three lengths into second by Dabirsim last time in the Prix Morny, with the winner going on to take the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp last weekend.

Champion trainer Richard Hannon goes for more glory with Lilbourne Lad, who finished just over two lengths behind Caspar Netscher at York.

"We have supplemented Lilbourne Lad for the Middle Park, and he is such a tough horse that it would be no surprise if he finished in the three," the trainer told www.richardhannonracing.tv.

"He is actually rated 111, so is officially our second best two-year-old colt at the moment, behind only Harbour Watch, and, though Caspar Netscher beat us fair and square in the Gimcrack, we have a 3lb pull, so he deserves another shot at a Group One."

Ed Dunlop's Burwaaz was fourth to Bapak Chinta in the Norfolk Stakes, third in the Gimcrack and second to Requinto in both the Flying Childers and Molecomb Stakes.

Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, said: "He's been knocking on the door and my own feeling is that we've probably made a bit of a mistake with the horse running him over five furlongs because he has plenty of speed.

"I personally think now that he's a horse who would be better given a bit of a chance and finishing over six furlongs.

"He's the sort of horse who one day is going to win a big race - whether it's tomorrow, I don't know."

George Margarson runs Rebellious Guest, the mount of Tom Queally.

"He's won two of his three starts, the only blip coming in the Coventry Stakes, which I think came a bit too soon for him, and we did think there was a risk of that," the jockey told his Racing UK blog.

"He won his last race at Windsor decisively and, while this is a massive jump in class, we think he is ready for the challenge.

"He's a colt who is highly rated by George and I've ridden him in his work recently and he feels like a good sort to me, but we'll all be wiser after the event."

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QUEALLY LOOKING TO ROCK ON ALSINDI

Tom Queally believes Alsindi has every chance of keeping her unbeaten record intact in the vision.ae Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Clive Brittain's daughter of Acclamation overcame a tardy start to make a winning debut at Yarmouth in August and Queally took over in the saddle to guide her to victory in the Oh So Sharp Stakes over course and distance last time out.

"I'm hopeful of a bold show from Alsindi. I'm getting quite a few rides from Clive now Philip Robinson has retired and he is a lovely man to ride for with a wealth of experience," the jockey said in his column on www.racinguk.com.

"Alsindi won the Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket last time in good style and stuck to her guns well coming up the hill.

"Clive rates her, her course and distance winning form will help and she has as good a chance as any."

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CASPAR CAN GHOST HOME IN MIDDLE PARK

- Four of the last 10 favourites have been successful.
- All of the last 10 winners won their preceding start.
- Five of the last 10 winners were unbeaten, only one had been beaten more than twice.
- All of the last 10 winners had won over six furlongs.
- Seven of the last 10 winners made their debut no earlier than June.
- Seven of the last 10 winners were successful on debut.
- Nine of the last 10 winners had won in Listed company or higher.

Summary

The Prix Morny in which Family One was second to Dabirsim has proved the best guide to the race with four recent winners completing the double whilst there have been two apiece from each of the Mill Reef Stakes and the Gimcrack (both won by Caspar Netscher). In the absence of the Morny winner, Family One is the clear favourite but all of the last 10 winners were successful on their previous outing which only a quarter of the field can boast. In keeping with most recent winners Rebellious Guest didn't debut until June whereas Reply was out in April and Bapak Chinta and Caspar Netscher in May. Neither Rebellious Guest nor Reply have any black type winning form to their name and only Oasis Dream in the last decade has defied that statistic. Bapak Chinta's two wins have been over five whereas all of the previous 10 winners have had winning form over six furlongs which leaves CASPAR NETSCHER who has had more starts than any recent winner with only Dark Angel coming close with seven and the similarities with Barry Hills' winner don't stop there as Dark Angel had been beaten on four occasions prior to winning here.

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PIPE BIDS TO EMULATE HIS FATHER

David Pipe has three chances to enjoy a major boost ahead of the imminent arrival of the National Hunt season in Saturday's Betfred Cesarewitch at Newmarket.

Jump trainers regularly have success over the two and a quarter miles of this famous handicap, with Nicky Henderson as well as Pipe's father Martin striking on several occasions in the not too distant past.

Big Occasion was a winner for Aidan O'Brien last year and Pipe has made the interesting decision to book O'Brien's son Joseph for the mount.

William Buick is aboard the Robin Geffen-owned Beyond, seemingly the leading hope for the yard after making a winning debut for the stable at Sandown in July.

While Tasheba, a former Henderson inmate who has run over hurdles for Pipe, is the mount of Kieran O'Neill.

"Big Occasion ran an OK race (at Newmarket on his first run for the stable) and I think he'll improve for the run," said Pipe.

"We go on Saturday with a lot of weight and we would appreciate some more rain really - the softer the better for him.

"It's not going to be ideal for him but it's a big race and we've got Joseph O'Brien on board, who has won on him before. It's worth taking our chance.

"He's an out and out galloper and the quicker they go on Saturday the better.

"Beyond is still at the right end of the handicap and he won nicely for us at Sandown over a mile and six (furlongs).

"This has always been the long-term plan, he'll love the ground and he's in good form at home. Hopefully he has a good chance."

Cosimo de Medici has taken trainer Hughie Morrison by surprise but has managed to become a major contender after taking last month's Cesarewitch Trial in comfortable fashion over the course and distance.

He carries a 4lb penalty for the win.

"Everything is fine with him, he worked well on Tuesday and he's a horse who has done nothing but improve all season," said Morrison.

"We put him in the race thinking he would never get in, but then he won at Newmarket in August.

"We then thought we'd better have a go at the Cesarewitch Trial and he's somehow managed to win again.

"He's had a fantastic year already and I suppose he's got to stop improving some time. It would probably be too much to ask for him to win again, but we'll have a go and see what happens.

"He's won on soft ground and he's won on fast ground, so that shouldn't be an issue."

Tony Martin, successful with Leg Spinner in 2007, is always treated with respect by the bookmakers when he sends runners across the Irish Sea.

Buy Back Bob, formerly trained by Ger Lyons, was third on his first start for the yard over hurdles at Cork and had a pipe-opener over a mile at Gowran last month.

"Hopefully he's going there with a chance. He ran a nice race over at Cork in the summer and we gave him a spin at Gowran the other day," said Martin.

"He should come on for that run and we'll see if he gets the trip on the day. He should handle the ground all right."

Martin's compatriot Pat Phelan, who is based in Epsom, has high hopes for his runner Ermyn Lodge.

All his outings have been at Ascot this season and he was fourth at the Shergar Cup last time.

"He has had two targets all year - Royal Ascot and this race," said Phelan.

"He ran very well at Ascot (Ascot Stakes). He was second to Veiled who is favourite for Saturday and when you consider we're 25-1, I think that's value for money.

"He had a racecourse gallop at Kempton the other morning which went very well and thankfully the weights have gone up enough to allow Ian Mongan to ride.

"We haven't run since August but I was fairly confident the mark he had would get him so I kept him fresh and he's ready to go.

"It's always difficult to win a race like the Cesarewitch from the front but he nearly did it at Royal Ascot and this is two furlongs shorter, so we'll see.

"He loves fast ground - the faster the better."

Some of the community's other smaller trainers are also looking for a major prize on the Rowley Mile.

Don Cantillon has been monitoring the ground at his local course for La Estrella, who won six times in a row in low-grade contests at Southwell and was sixth at Goodwood on September 21.

"His run at Goodwood last time is best forgotten because the ground was too soft," explained Cantillon.

"The plan had been to bounce him out and sit handy but the going went against us and I didn't want to risk him being up with the pace and getting tired, so we held him up instead.

"Everything is crossed regarding the ground, because we wouldn't want it too fast. I rode the whole course on my bike with a stick and a dog - they have done their best with the watering and there is a nice grass covering."

Worcestershire trainer James Evans is represented by Ascot Stakes third Phoenix Flight.

"He has been drawn in 31 which means he will be racing wide until the right hand turn into the straight. He will have to drop in from there and hopefully get a clear run when the race hots up," he told www.hjamesevans.co.uk.

"The forecast favourite is Veiled, who beat Phoenix Flight by just under three lengths at Royal Ascot, and we now have a 5lb pull in the weights so it should be close between the two.

"However I am slightly concerned that Phoenix Flight did not run that well when last at HQ (in 2009).

"All his wins have been on flat tracks such as Newbury, Market Rasen and on the all weather at Kempton."

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PUTRA TAKES AIM AT DARLEY STAKES

Roger Varian is confident Sri Putra can record a deserved first success of the campaign in the Darley Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The five-year-old finished third behind Rewilding and So You Think in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, and occupied the same position in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

He was disappointing in lesser company at Newbury last time, but Varian is expecting a better performance this weekend.

"Sri Putra is in great form. The ground was a bit sticky for him at Newbury last time and he perhaps needed the run as he'd been off the track a while," said the Newmarket handler.

"The fast ground will suit and we're very hopeful of a good run."

Sri Putra's rivals include classy Italian raider Bubble Chic and Chris Wall's stable stalwart Premio Loco.

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NOCTURNAL READY FOR YORK AFFAIR

Portland winner Nocturnal Affair goes for a second sprint handicap win in Yorkshire when he lines up for the Coral Sprint Trophy at York on Saturday.

The Irish raider delivered the goods in style at Doncaster last month and County Tipperary trainer David Marnane has high hopes of another successful mission on the Knavesmire.

The South African import was only having his second run since joining Marnane via a spell in Dubai, so his new handler is hoping there is still more to come from the five-year-old.

"We had planned to keep him for a Listed race a Dundalk, but it's a good pot so it's worth going for," said Marnane.

"He only went up 4lb and I thought he idled a little bit in front at Doncaster that day.

"He's in great form, he travelled over really well.

"He's got a good enough draw (seven) - the speed horses seem to be around us - so we've got our fingers crossed.

"Hopefully he's still got some improvement in him. It was only his second race for us at Doncaster and he's still pretty unexposed at this sort of trip."

The in-form Internationaldebut bids to complete a four-timer within the space of five weeks.

Since striking over this course and distance, Paul Midgley's six-year-old stalwart has gone on to win at Doncaster and Beverley.

"He's in good form and everything has gone to plan since he ran at Beverley," said the North Yorkshire trainer.

"He's in good order so it's a case of fingers crossed."

Brian Gubby is delighted Silvestre de Sousa is aboard Son Of A Cat again after steering the five-year-old into a creditable third place in the Ayr Gold Cup when the going was too testing.

"The ground was just a little bit too heavy for him at Ayr but he ran a blinder," said the Surrey owner-trainer.

"Silvestre rode him in Scotland and is on him again. He liked him when he finished second behind him at Goodwood.

"He said there was no way he was going to catch him that day (on Confessional) so his agent rang for the ride at Ayr.

"He's well, but it is a worry this time of year as you never know if they've gone over the top until they get there.

"He's gone up there the day before as he's not the best of travellers and we're looking forward to a good run."

Trainer Jonathan Portman is hoping Joe Packet will show no ill effects from his good effort last Saturday when he was fifth to Pastoral Player in a valuable handicap over seven furlongs.

"He seems to have come out of his race last weekend well. I know it's a bit soon but his season is coming to an end, so we thought we'd give it a go," said the Berkshire trainer.

"He has a lot of weight to carry and I think six and a half furlongs is probably his best trip on the ground he's going to get.

"He probably would have got the seven at Ascot if we'd been able to cover him up a bit more, but he was always just a bit too handy to get that trip.

"He still ran a cracker."

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DEWHURST TRENDS POINT TO RED DUKE

- Nine of the last 10 winners finished in the first three on their preceding start; seven were succesful.
- Five of the last 10 winners were unbeaten.
- Seven of the last 10 winners had already won a race at Group Three or above (three had won a Group One) and two of the exceptions had been placed in a Group One.
- Eight of the last 10 winners had won over seven furlongs or beyond.
- Three favourites have been successful but four winners have been returned between 20-1 & 33s.
- Eight of the last 10 winners made their debut after April.
- Nine of the last 10 winners had raced at least three times.
- Nine of the last 10 winners ran in a Group race on their preceding start, the exception ran in a sales race.
- Seven of the last 10 winners made a successful debut, those that were beaten made their debuts in April and May over 5 and 6 furlongs.

Summary

A couple of surprise results over the years and this year's field has a slightly unusual look to it in that very few of the runners are by sires renowned for imparting stamina; sons of Galileo have provided three of the last five winners but he has no representative in the nine runners. Beethoven (33-1) and Intense Focus (20-1) were both placed in Group One company and had had eight and nine starts whilst Group Three winner Milk It Mick (33-1) had had 11 starts.

Exciting pair Bronterre and Ektihaam fall down on a number of key trends as do Spiritual Star and Most Improved whilst Parish Hall has yet to win over seven furlongs although neither had Jim Bolger's Intense Focus nor Beethoven but both had been placed at the highest level unlike the Teofilo colt.

That just leaves National Stakes winner Power and the one-two from the Champagne Stakes and there's nothing to choose between the three of them on the stats whilst both races have provided two winners apiece, with New Approach and Teofilo successful at the Curragh and Rock Of Gibraltar and Milk It Mick beaten on Town Moor. Power is the clear form pick but it may be worth taking a chance that RED DUKE can emulate the latter pair.

Little has gone right for John Quinn's colt on his last two starts and he may be able to prove himself better than the bare form whilst the progeny of first season sire Hard Spun (top-class between 7 & 10f) appear to stay well which brings us back to where we came in.

Oasis Dream (Power's sire) has of course sired winners at all distances but those that stay well are often from stouter distaff families than the National Stakes winner so Power could just be worth taking on whilst it's also worth noting that the four winning favourites were all sent off at 6-4 or shorter.

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SENTRY READY FOR CES DUTY

- Winners have been aged 3, 4 (two), 5, 6 (three), 7, 8 and 11.
- Winners have carried between 7-13 and 9-8 with five between 7-13 and 8-8.
- Winners have been rated between 83 and 104 with five between 92 and 98.
- Seven winners had been drawn between 1 & 10 with five between 1 & 4.
- Nine winners were returned between 9-2 and 16-1 with two favourites successful.
- Seven winners finished in the first four on their previous outing under either code.
- Seven winners had won a class 3 handicap or above over 1m 6f - the last four had all won a class 2 handicap over 2 miles.
- Nine winners had raced between 2 and 7 times during the current season; none had raced more.
- Six winners had failed to win a race during the current season.
- Nine winners had won a race with a field of 14 runners or more (under either code).

Miscellaneous

Five renewals have gone to trainer's more readily associated with NH racing including all three winners that hadn't previously scored over two miles on the Flat whilst three winners have been apprentice ridden.

Two of the last three winners had previously run in the Cesarewitch (finishing 2nd and 7th) whilst all of the last three winners had contested the Brown Jack Stakes at Ascot (won by Keys) earlier in the season where they finished 2/1/5.

Three winners had run in the Ascot Stakes and four in the Northumberland Plate.

Summary

An emerging trend has been winning form in a class two handicap over two miles with five of the last six having done so and the exception, Detroit City, was placed in a Listed race over a mile seven before being sold to go hurdling. He was also the only winner not to have raced during the current Flat season having been absent since winning a Grade One hurdle at Aintree in April.

A more constant trend has been the benefit of a low (previously high) draw although the Cambridgeshire proved how quickly a herd-like mentality can erode any advantage on that front.

Only eight runners in the field boast winning form at the requisite level and, of those, five (Cosimo De Medici, Dayia, Dazinski, Keys, Veiled) have an historically bad draw to overcome.

Fortune has favoured SENTRY DUTY, Palomar and Bernie The Bolt on that score whilst the first two named also ran in the race 12 months ago as had two of the three previous winners including the 11 year old Caracciola who was trained, like Sentry Duty, by Nicky Henderson. As well as being well drawn, the nine year old hails from the most successful rating band and has winning form in a large field unlike Andrew Balding's runner whilst he looks certain to be sent off at around the same price as a 'typical' Ces winner unlike the other pair although none of the three can boast a top-four finish on their latest start.

Keys has form in a large field and comes straight from the Ascot handicap that all of the last three winners have contested (Colour Vision, L Frank Baum and Dayia were behind) but he has to overcome a lack of experience as well as his high draw. The trends-busting Darley Sun besides, the other nine winners had raced at least 13 times and Roger Charlton's gelding has had just the eight starts under both codes and that's two fewer than David Simcock's charge.

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FAHEY: HARRISON BACK TO WORKABLE MARK

Ebor week is huge for our yard, everyone loves Royal Ascot but this is where I need winners. It will be tough but then again it always is.

Irish Heartbeat ran better at Doncaster on Saturday and we drop him back to five furlongs for the Symphony Group Handicap, the opening race on Wednesday. The more rain the better for him as it will slow them down a bit. He's been a little disappointing this year but the Doncaster run was a step back in the right direction.

We've also declared Johannes but he ran no race in the Great St Wilfrid on Saturday. It if carries on raining he's not 100 per cent certain to run and I'll have to speak to the owners. They'll be keen to go and we'll make a late decision but soft ground would be against him.

Our Boy Jack runs in the sportingbet.com Nursery at 1615. He's got to step up on what he's done so far but he's a nice horse. He was favourite for the Brocklesby and we thought quite a lot of him early on but he's taken a while to get his head in front.

He did that the last day though and just recently is starting to get everything together. He could run a big race in a competitive contest.

I'll have my hands full before the Patrington Haven Leisure Park Handicap as we have four runners in Wednesday's finale.

Our Joe Mac ran well at Goodwood, he came there strongly and I thought he was going to win. The ground will be perfect for him at York and he just needs a little luck. We fancied him for the Lincoln and while he hasn't won this season he has run some very good races. He's been very consistent but has to step up again - this is the Ebor Meeting.

The handicapper has Demolition to a tee. He keeps running well and his rating isn't dropping. He'll need others to underperform to win but is in great form.

Kay Gee Be is also as high as he wants to be and we have no excuses, his last two runs are as good as he is. There could be a little left in Ingleby Spirit who has had a break and will love the ground. We've schooled him and he's ready to go jumping but we thought we'd give him another spin on the Flat. It'll be tough and if I had to pick one of ours it would be Our Joe Mac.

Thursday opens with the DBS Premier Yearling Stakes and we've two runners chasing the big pot.

Miss Work Of Art is proving just a little disappointing of late and it's just a case of have the other two-year-olds caught her up. She's never run on the ground before but that could be in her favour and she's working well.

Worthington hasn't done much wrong but needs to step to win this. It's a race that the colts have traditionally dominated and it will be interesting to see what happens.

The Addleshaw Goddard Stakes is a very competitive handicap. Harrison George has come down to a workable mark and loves the track, it's very, very tough but if he's back to his best he'd be my best chance of winning it.

Prime Exhibit has had a good break and will love the ground but Harrison looks back on a winning mark and can hopefully run very well.

Cracking Lass has 16lbs to find on the principals in the EBF 'Selkirk' Galtres Stakes and we're just trying to nick a bit more Black Type with her. She was placed in the Braveheart at Hamilton and we'd like a bit more. We could have found an easier race to do it in but we've stuck blinkers on her for the first time.

I'll be back on Thursday evening with my thoughts on the team for the rest of the meeting but over the opening two days my best bet would be Harrison George each-way.

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BOOKMAKERS AWAIT THE DAWN

Aidan O'Brien has won two of the last three runnings of the Juddmonte International Stakes - and bookmakers are clearly anticipating Await The Dawn extending his fine record in the 10-furlong showpiece.

O'Brien's son Joseph is given the opportunity to claim his first British Group One on clear stable first choice Await The Dawn, who is set to go off at close to even money in the betting.

The junior O'Brien has taken advantage of the injury to Ryan Moore and the lack of a stable jockey at Ballydoyle and his father picked him for Await The Dawn, who is lightly raced and has looked a star in the making as a four-year-old in the Huxley Stakes at Chester and the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The teenager rode his first Classic on Roderic O'Connor in the Irish 2000 Guineas, but that one will be partnered by Colm O'Donoghue, and is on a retrieval mission after the French and Irish Derby.

Windsor Palace and Seamie Heffernan are set for pacemaking duties.

"I haven't ridden him in a race but I know him well at home," Joseph O'Brien said of Await The Dawn.

"He's a lovely, big horse and you'd say he was very uncomplicated.

"His form looks good from Ascot, so hopefully he will run well."

Khalid Abdullah yearns to win the race he sponsors and has encouraged trainer Sir Henry Cecil to field both Midday and Twice Over, who will give O'Brien a stiff challenge.

He almost won it with Twice Over last year before he was pipped to the post by O'Brien's Rip Van Winkle and his three-time Group One winner quelled a dip in his form this season by striking in the York Stakes over course and distance last month.

Cecil's stable jockey Tom Queally, however, has opted to ride the outstanding mare Midday after she claimed the Nassau Stakes for the third year in a row.

"The race is fraught with great possibilities and great interest for us all," the owner's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe told Racing UK.

"Prince Khalid has supported the race and has been a fantastic supporter of York.

"This is a race everyone connected with Juddmonte would dearly like to win, not least of all the boss, and he is sending his two currently most suitable and ready horses to go.

"I think Tom would have preferred not to have made the decision (which horse to ride), but the way Midday came back at Goodwood was very pleasing.

"I wish we had 20 more like Twice Over as he has been such a reliable, genuine, charming horse.

"He's still tremendously enthusiastic in his work and goes really nicely.

"The filly still likes it as well, so we're giving it our best shot."

Cecil is equally enchanted by Twice Over, who has now reached the age of six. "Twice Over has been with us for quite a few years and has become part of the furniture," he told At The Races.

"Unfortunately in Flat racing, horses tend to leave at the end of their three-year-old careers and I can see why National Hunt trainers get attached to their horses, because they are with them a long time.

"He is a lovely looking horse, big with a good head on him. He's a real gentleman and has done terribly well. He's won the Champion Stakes twice, won the Eclipse. He was pretty good as a three-year-old too, and was third in the St James's Palace. He's a very good horse in his own right."

On the opposition, Cecil added: "Await The Dawn is a decent horse, he won over the trip at Chester and won at Royal Ascot in the Hardwicke.

"He's a good horse and has only had six or seven runs. He's a pretty formidable opponent, but I'm going to try."

York clerk of the course William Derby reported showers on the Knavesmire on Tuesday afternoon, meaning 6.4mm of rain had fallen in the previous 48 hours.

The going was reported as good to soft, good in places with a dry night and day in store.

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SEVILLE TARGETING VOLTIGEUR VICTORY

Seamie Heffernan is optimistic Seville can secure a deserved first victory of the campaign in the sportingbet.com Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday.

Having shown smart juvenile form, Aidan O'Brien's son of Galileo was sent off favourite to beat Carlton House in the Dante Stakes at York back in May, but had to make do with the runner-up spot behind the Queen's colt.

He failed to reproduce that form in the Derby at Epsom but has bounced back since, claiming second in the Irish Derby and most recently in the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp.

Seville currently heads ante-post lists for the St Leger at Doncaster next month and bids to cement his place as favourite for the season's final Classic in this recognised trial on the Knavesmire.

"We're happy enough with him and he seems to be coming out of his races fresh and well," said Heffernan.

"He's getting more mature and stronger all the time, so I'm hoping for a big run tomorrow.

"I don't think ground is any issue with him. I think you just want a bit of luck and want them turning up with a big will every day.

"The Galileo horses seem to be the ones to be with at the moment. They are tough and they are up for it every day.

"I would think if all goes well then the Leger will be his next run after the Voltigeur. This is one of the main Leger trials and I would think that is why Aidan is running him.

"I love riding big-race winners in England I hope I can have another at York."

O'Brien also saddles likely pacemaker Regent Street.

In-form trainer Roger Charlton is represented by Al Kazeem, who makes his first racecourse appearance since landing a 10-furlong Newbury handicap in May.

Charlton said: "It's a considerable step up in class for him and also a step up in distance on what looks set to be rain-softened ground.

"He hasn't run since May having had a setback after his last run and while he's in good form and ready to start back, I'm sure he'll improve on what ever he does."

Mark Johnston's Namibian won over two miles in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and found the drop in distance no problem when grinding out a determined success in the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

The Cape Cross colt officially has 8lb to find with Seville according to the handicapper but Johnston remains hopeful of a big run.

"It's not all about ratings and he's past handicapping now. He's going to have to run against these horses some time and if he hadn't met them here, he'd have met them in the Leger," said the Middleham handler.

"There are no doubts about trip with this horse. He can compete over any trip you want to throw at him.

"The ground shouldn't be a problem and he's been absolutely fine since Goodwood, so we'll see how we get on."

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ACOMB TESTER FOR CHAPPLE-HYAM

Peter Chapple-Hyam looks to continue his mini-revival with a big-race winner as Al Khan takes on a host of unknown quantities in the sportingbet.com Acomb Stakes at York on Wednesday.

The popular Chapple-Hyam is operating at a minor fraction of the scale of his 90s pomp when Classics came like London buses, but the stable is flying at the moment with three winners and others running well over the last week.

Al Khan collected a maiden at Doncaster last month but faces other well-regarded recent winners like Furner's Green, Balty Boys and Entifaadha in the seven-furlong Group Three.

"It's a very tough race - I wish I'd run him somewhere else really!" said Chapple-Hyam.

"He's a horse I like a lot and he has obviously improved since Doncaster but he'll need to as there's going to be no hiding place.

"However, we have got to find out how good he is."

Furner's Green leads a three-strong team from Aidan O'Brien's stable.

O'Brien's son Joseph steered the son of Dylan Thomas to a three-length defeat of stablemate and Acomb rival Battle Of Saratoga at Tipperary, with fourth-placed East Meets West also making the trip from Ireland.

Both the other runners were beaten by Strait Of Zanzibar in the Hurricane Run Stakes back at Tipperary this month.

"I rode him in his maiden at Tipperary, where he won nicely," said Joseph O'Brien.

"He's a nice horse and I'm looking forward to it."

Seamie Heffernan, who takes the mount on Battle Of Saratoga, added: "We've got three nice colts in the race. My fellow ran second at Tipperary last time and the horse that Colm O'Donoghue rides (East Meets West) ran in the same race and looked a bit unlucky in third.

"I'd imagine Joseph's horse is the classiest of the three, but all of them are well and you have to run them when you can."

Barry Hills saddles the final runners of his career this week before handing over his famous Lambourn yard to son Charlie next Monday.

The trainer's representative is Balty Boys, who runs in the colours of Sir Alex Ferguson and collected a maiden at Newbury in fluent style last time.

Charlie Hills said: "I think the step up to seven furlongs will really suit this horse. He has plenty of speed, as he showed when winning his maiden, and he is a colt we have always liked."

Richard Hannon's Fort Bastion is given another chance at a high level, despite being without a win in three starts so far.

"Sir Robert Ogden loves having runners at York so this was always the target. He is a maiden taking on 10 previous winners at level weights, but he is a very good maiden, I promise you," the trainer insisted on www.richardhannonracing.tv.

"On his second to 1000 Guineas favourite Maybe in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, Fort Bastion would have a serious chance, and you can forget his last run in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket as the riding instructions must have got lost in transit.

"Hughesie (Richard Hughes) was banned, so Olivier Peslier rode, and, while I hate blaming jockeys, this was pilot error. OK, he missed the break, but he never got competitive at any stage, and it was a wasted run. We think that Fort Bastion is a decent horse, and, hopefully, he'll prove that here."

Brian Meehan's Archbishop won his only start over the same distance at Sandown late last month and the trainer reported on his website: "Most observers will deduce that he is likely to develop into a smart performer, as that is often the case when our juveniles win first time on the big tracks and we believe and hope that it is. Great chance of a follow-up, albeit in face of potentially smart opponents."

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PRAY FOR RAIN AT 25/1

Aidan O'Brien could be set for a big day with Await The Dawn and Seville prohibitively priced favourites for the feature races on day one of the York Ebor Festival.

Both have solid chances but the pair are priced accordingly and though I couldn't take them on I wouldn't be wading in on a lumpy double either.

Instead I'll look to the bookends of the card with the opening Symphony Group Handicap a race I particularly want to get my teeth into.

The market leaders look vulnerable here with Ritual flopping at Ascot last time and Ancient Cross beaten the last twice at York off 5lb-lower marks.

There is a decent chance of one going in at a big price in this contest and the outsider I want on my side is RAIN DELAYED at 25/1.

He's presumably that price because he carries top weight from stall 16 but I'm not convinced a stands rail draw is such a bad place to be and with plenty of pace up the middle Tom Queally could well drop him in anyway.

He is usually held up and I reckon that style of racing could well benefit in this contest with Fitz Flyer, Favourite Girl and Falasteen all speedballs drawn centrally.

I don't think his weight is an issue either as the last twice he has run in a handicap he's carried either the biggest load or the second biggest - and both times he finished half a length second to Noble Storm.

They were both off handicap marks of 99 (he races off 101 here) and the first of those came at this meeting two years ago, with his latest handicap effort at Newbury in April.

All of his other starts have come at Listed and Group class - his last two efforts coming in those grades behind Masamah here and in a Group 2 at Goodwood.

He tends to run on well off a fast pace over five furlongs so the extra distance here should suit and dropped in grade he looks sure to go well at big odds.

I also cannot resist a small bet on FACE THE PROBLEM at 12/1 as he is another who should benefit from a furious gallop.

He looked a smart juvenile last year with gate to wire successes here and at Thirsk but he probably hasn't got the early speed to repeat that manner of victory these days.

He struggled when tried at pattern level and was rated 108 at one stage but he's back down to a mark of 89 now and that looks a competitive one for him judged by his run at Windsor last time.

He was hampered early but finished his race really well down the outside and his turn might not be far away.

With Silvestre De Sousa booked and stall six an ideal berth to track the pace down the middle he looks worth chancing at around 12/1.

Finally, WORLD HERITAGE looks worth a bet in the closing Patrington Haven Leisure Park Handicap.

He was a decent horse for Pascal Bary and finished second in the Prix Eugene Adam two years ago.

Robert Eddery has struggled a little with him since he came into his yard but the signs last time were good in a handicap at Newmarket where he raced with his old zest off a mark of 95.

Down a further 1lb here he could be primed to strike and is worth a small bet at 20s.

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TWICE OVER GETS INTERNATIONAL VOTE

Wednesday's Juddmonte International Stakes at York looks a very strong renewal - not so much numerically but there are some very good horses in the field.

Sir Henry Cecil is doubly represented by his superb filly Midday, who won her third Nassau Stakes last time at Goodwood, and by Twice Over, who was runner-up in this race 12 months ago when narrowly beaten by Rip Van Winkle.

He returned to something like his best form over course and distance last time and some of that race is working out quite well.

He had a little lull in between running in the Dubai World Cup and that race at York last time but if he is back to his best then Twice Over could go very close again.

It is very hard to choose between him and Midday as they have similar ratings and are of similar quality but If Twice Over is back to his best, he could just have the edge over his stablemate.

The big rivals are the Aidan O'Brien pair Await The Dawn and Roderic O' Connor, who have a pacemaker in Windsor Palace.

Await The Dawn is being aimed at the Breeders' Cup Classic at the end of the year and was a very impressive winner at Chester on his reappearance before he followed up in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Connections were a little worried before the Hardwicke Stakes about too much cut in the ground and the going at York is currently good to soft so I just wonder whether he will be suited by conditions - he is also dropping back in trip as well and is up in class.

He is a horse of immense potential but still has to prove it at this very high level so I am going to pass him over on this occasion and opt for Twice Over just ahead of Midday.

The Great Voltigeur Stakes is a trial for the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster and was won last year by Rewilding.

This year's race is dominated by Aidan O'Brien's Seville, who has got much the best form coming into the event.

He was second on the course earlier in the season behind Carlton House in the Dante Stakes then blew out in the Epsom Derby but has subsequently run second to stablemate Treasure Beach in the Irish Derby.

He was also second to Meandre in the Grand Prix de Paris and that form really stands out so I expect him to endorse his claims for the St Leger here.

Namibian could be the big danger as he is incredibly tough and really impressed in terms of his attitude when winning the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and then following up in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.

The unexposed Sea Moon won a handicap on the course off a rating of 92 earlier in the season and clearly has to step up a good deal on that but is highly regarded and very well bred out of the family of past St Leger winner Brian Boru.

Alkazeem and Thimaar are also open to a good deal of improvement but as things stand, they all have a long way to go to match the credentials of Seville and he looks a worthy favourite.

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LOOK TO REGENT STREET FOR VALUE

A powerful Irish presence is expected throughout the four day of York's Ebor meeting and Await The Dawn is widely expected to get the meeting off to a perfect start for Aidan O'Brien by landing the featured Juddmonte International Stakes on Wednesday.

The four-year-old indicated that he was a Group 1 winner in waiting when he recorded a hugely impressive victroy in a Leopardstown Group 3 last September. In two starts this term he has reinforced that impression with commanding victories at Chester and, most recently, in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Await The Dawn faces his biggest test to date in the Juddmonte though where he takes on a field headed by Midday and Twice Over. The latter rediscovered some form to score ver this course and distance last month but it is Midday who looks the biggest threat to the favourite. She bounced back to her very best to win the Nassau Stakes last time and another strong showing is expected from the Henry Cecil star.

Await The Dawn could well have further room for improvement and might just shade the verdict but at the likely odds this is a race to watch as opposed to get heavily involved in.

Aidan O'Brien has a couple of other very strong chances on the card and his Furner's Green is the selection in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes.

The Dylan Thomas colt made quite an impression on his debut at Tipperary last month when he ran out a clear cut winner of an extended seven furlongs maiden. That performance marked him out as one ready to hold his own in a higher grade and he could take some beating here.

The form of Furner's Green maiden win wasn't done any harm by Battle Of Saratoga and East Meets West, who both line up here, in a Listed race at Tipperary recently. They were second and fourth to Furner's Green in that aforementioned maiden and stepped forward to finish second and third in that Tiperary Listed race. East Meets West looked especially unlucky there as he was denied a run for most of the straight and with a clear passage he would have won.

In the Great Voltigeur Stakes Seville must have every chance of cementing his credentials as a leading hope for next month's Ladbrokes St Leger.

The Ballydoyle inmate followed a fine second in the Irish Derby with a cracking effort in the Grand Prix de Paris where he was only reeled in late on. That level of form is by some way the best on offer and he will take a good deal of beating.

The value here though could lie with stablemate Regent Street. He does not deserve to be the outsider of the field and has the capacity to reach the frame.

Quite possibly he found the two miles of the Queen's Vase beyond him last time while his two previous efforts stand up to close scrutiny. In May he was a good third to Recital and Memphis Tennessee in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial and the previous month he lost very little in defeat when going down to Banimpire in the Ballysax Stakes.

His best form gives him a credible chance and it would come as no surprise to see him challenge for a place in the frame.

Recommendations:

2.30: Furner's Green 2pts win

3.05: Regent Street 1pt e/w

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EAGLES HAS YET TO PEAK

14:00 Symphony Group Handicap

The ground may have dried out by post time but low to middle numbers are still likely to be suited which could rule out Ritual, though he was very disappointing at Ascot anyway. Ancient Cross, who loves it around here, is another with a high draw to contend with as is KANAF, though the latter, a very good winner at Ascot early last month, could grab a middle position and looks the potential winner after an unlucky run in the Steward's Cup. Strike Up The Band gained his first success in three years at Haydock and is only 2lb higher. He's well drawn and could prove a threat as could Irish Heartbeat, who would be a fancied if the going remains on the soft side. The three-year-old Face The Problem hasn't had much racing but is back on the mark that saw him land a Thirsk nursery last year and Silvestre De Sousa is an intriguing booking.

14:30 sportingbet.com Acomb Stakes

Aidan O'Brien arrives here mob-handed but FURNER'S GREEN looks the one to be on as he comfortably beat today's rival Battle Of Saratoga on his debut on ground with some give at Tipperary and has entries in all the major juvenile events. Balty Boys showed some debut promise and gave notice of much more to come with an impressive success over Firestarter at Newbury. Zumbi is another with plenty of scope and made a very promising debut at Ascot as did the expensive Entifaadha at Newmarket where he beat a huge field. Archbishop and Moon Pearl also made successful starts and could be anything but the main threat may emerge from Al Khan, who was always travelling very well at Doncaster and looks to have a bright future.

15:05 sportingbet.com Great Voltigeur Stakes

There have been three surprise results in the past five years in this top St Leger trial. SEVILLE, runner-up to Carlton House in the Dante here, put a poor Epsom performance behind him with superb runs in the Irish Derby and Grand Prix De Paris. He'll enjoy a little cut in the ground more than most and will take some beating. Sea Moon landed a handicap from a mark of 92 over 1m2f here in June and that form would be nowhere near good enough for this but he's always been highly regarded and that was a stepping-stone to bigger and better things. Namibian has stepped out of handicaps to land Group 3's at Ascot and Goodwood and is a rapidly improving colt who has to be on the short-list while if there is to be a surprise it could be provided by Al Kazeem, whose four runs to date have all been at Newbury but who has an outstanding middle-distance pedigree and should be suited by the step-up in trip.

15:40 Juddmonte International Stakes

Short-priced favourites have won the last four of these and AWAIT THE DAWN is likely to start odds-on for this. Aidan O'Brien's colt stepped up to 1m4f for the first time in the Hardwicke Stakes at Ascot where the soft ground was thought to be against him but he relished the conditions and looked a certain future Group 1 winner in the process. Stablemate Roderic O'Connor is already a winner at the highest grade having landed the Irish 1000 Guineas but he hasn't done as well in the Derbies at Chantilly and the Curragh subsequently. Midday and Twice Over represent Sir Henry Cecil and the pair are multiple winners at this level. The former, who loves the track, could just prove the better of the pair with her allowance and she looks a big threat to the likely favourite.

16:15 sportingbet.com Nursery

Tim Easterby has won this twice in the past few years but Nearly A Gift has been handed the highest draw which could rule her out. Cravat was carrying a big weight when just touched off at Catterick and looks best of the Mark Johnston pair as Es Que Love has been poorly treated in the draw. Mister Musicmaster has done well since encountering soft ground but an 8lb rise for his Haydock victory could prove his undoing and it's difficult to know what to make of Lunar Deity, who landed a Ffos Las maiden in a canter when totally unfancied. Satanic Beat is the only C&D winner and can go well but this can go to SANAD, a disappointment on his debut at Doncaster but an impressive maiden winner at Nottingham and starting his handicap career from what could prove to be a very lenient mark. Campanology is already useful and with the best of the draw looks sure to prove a threat while West Leake Hare was caught on the line over 7f at Goodwood and is another with chances.

16:50 Patrington Haven Leisure Park Handicap

Sir Michael Stoute has won this three times in recent years and though three-year-olds don't have the best of records EAGLES PEAK can put matters right. A superbly bred son of Galileo out of a Group 2 winner, he showed battling qualities to beat subsequent winner Thimaar on his debut in what looked a very hot Newmarket maiden last month and he could prove a blot on the handicap. Barren Brook has suddenly found his form and a 3lb rise for landing a tough Doncaster handicap looks lenient and he should go well under Kieren Fallon who deserts the increasingly temperamental Naqshabban, who refused to enter the stalls again last time. Arlequin is well regarded which is hardly surprising given his fine victory at Goodwood where the consistent Our Joe Mac was third and he's won over this C&D in the past. All of Ithoughtitwasover's four runs to date have been over 1m4f and he's won twice. He was probably a little unfortunate not to beat Parlour Games in the Shergar Cup Classic at Ascot and he looks well treated.

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LOCAL TRAINERS CAN RULE KNAVESMIRE

FALASTEEN should be backed each-way in the Symphony Group Handicap at 1400.

Kevin Ryan's sprinter went close at the track two starts back before running a blinder in the Epsom Dash, despite finding himself further back than normal.

Often ridden aggresively, he has proven in the past that York is an ideal course ( Knavesmire form figures read 1 5 11 2) and this trip of just beyond five furlongs should suit him down to the ground.

He's drawn next to some very speedy horses so doesn't have to lead but, granted a break after Epsom, he should be ready to run a very big race despite a career-high mark.

The sportingbet.com Nursery at 1615 is very competitive, but NEARLY A GIFT is another each-way selection.

Tim Easterby has a good record in the race and this Tagula filly should relish a little bit of cut in the ground.

Normally a Pontefract maiden winner who is allotted a mark of 82 might not be of too much interest, but she showed at Newmarket on her nursery debut that she can win off that sort of mark and she is only 2lbs higher today.

She didn't seem to act in the dip at HQ last time and should be more at home on this track. There may be one or two better treated than her but we know she has the ability to run into a place at least.

INGLEBY SPIRIT is yet another each-way selection, this time in the Patrington Haven Leisure Park Handicap at 1650.

Richard Fahey's gelding was passed over by Paul Hanagan when victorious at Pontefract first-time up this season and the same happens today, but that's no bad thing as super-sub Barry McHugh takes the reins again.

Following his win he seemed to resent Epsom's unique track, but then ran ok here under apprentice Laura Barry despite a poor draw. Again at Redcar last time he wasn't well-berthed however a draw of six today looks ideal.

He should relish the bit of cut in the ground and his new mark of 90, just 4lbs higher than at Pontefract, should enable him to get very competitive indeed.

Recommended bets

Falasteen e.w. in 1400 York

Nearly A Gift e.w. in 1615 York

Ingleby Spirit e.w. in 1650 York

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