1.50 York – Arrange (Each Way)
It’s a very competitive opener at York, but I think Arrange will go well. He ran a really good race to finish fourth at this track last month, and he seems to cope with most types of ground. It’s interesting to see Jody Townend make the journey from Ireland, which looks like a positive sign of intent. With a lot of things in his favour, he surely has to go close.
2.25 York – Quintus Arrius (Each Way)
Quintus Arrius looks like a horse who has been crying out for a step up in trip, and I think 7f will really suit him. The last time we saw him, he ran ok at Hamilton, staying on the closing stages. So far in his career, he’s been campaigned over 6f, but he has always seemed to do his best work late on. The ground at York on Friday was riding on the slow side, so that shouldn’t be a problem. I’m hoping he’ll be on the premises here.
3.00 York – Klondike (Win)
I liked the way Klondike shaped on his first start of the season at this track. He was carrying top weight that day in a very competitive handicap, and he rallied well inside the furlong, when he could have easily fallen away. Last season he ran well in some good races, and he looks like a horse that can run well in Listed or Group 3 company this season. Furthermore, he won’t mind any rain, and Ryan Moore is a positive jockey-booking. For me, he’s one of my strongest fancies this weekend.
3.35 York – Ziggy’s Condor (Each Way)
Again, cases can be made for plenty, but I do like Ziggy’s Condor to be in the mix. He’s got a good record at York, and he ran really well here over 7f last month. Dropping back down to 6f shouldn’t be an issue, and with Richard Fahey’s team in good form, I can see him building on his recent run.
2.05 Sandown – Dancing Magic (Each Way)
Me and Dancing Magic have a bit of unfinished business. I’ve been following this horse this season as I believe he is due to win a handicap race. Going through his previous form, he’s always run well for Roger Teal. The last time we saw him, I put him up when he finished second at Chester. The four-year-old gelding is a horse who likes to be ridden prominently, and the pace was holding up at Sandown on Friday. If Oisin Murphy can get him into a handy position, they might not catch him in time.
2.40 Sandown – Adaay In Devon (Win)
Adaay In Devon has been in excellent form this season, and she wasn’t disgraced when finishing third in a hot Listed race at Newbury last month. This is a weaker race, and she sets the recent form standard. Moreover, if the ground eases up, that will also help her. For me, she should take all the beating.
3.20 Chester – Blue Prince (Each Way)
I don’t really have a strong selection in this race as it looks quite trappy; however, Blue Prince would just get my vote. He’s been running well without getting his head in front, and he was perhaps a little bit unlucky not to win at Goodwood last time out. He’s got a nice draw in Stall 4 here, and if Richard Kingscote can get him into a nice position, it might just be his day.