YORK
1.50
SAAHEQ gets the nod in this wide open contest. He ran his best race for a long time when battling well to win over this distance at Musselburgh last time.
He’s up the weights but has a decent draw and could have more to offer. Cowboy Soldier clocked a personal best when winning on the all-weather at Kempton last time out.
He has a good level of form on turf too so would have every chance if repeating that. Tommy Taylor looked as good as ever when finishing third at Doncaster last time off this mark.
He was in the lead for a long time and did well to keep going for a place.
2.25
LAH TI DAR shouldn’t have to hit anything like top gear to start the season with a win.
She carried all before her when winning a Listed contest over course and distance last season before two excellent runs at Group 1 level, particularly when stretched by the St Leger trip.
It’s interesting to see her dropped back here and it could be a wise move. Nyaleti has the benefit of a comeback run and it was a good one, when second in a Newmarket Group 2 last week.
This trip should be ideal and she rates the danger. Mrs Sippy went down in a close finish for a good race at Newmarket last time out in September and should make a nice four-year-old.
3.00
TOO DARN HOT was hot favourite for the 2,000 Guineas before what is hopefully just a minor injury interrupted his season. He was blistering last season and finished by winning the Dewhurst in great style.
It is reportedly all systems go for the Derby and he’ll be close to full fitness for this comeback and looks the one to beat.
Japan did really well to win the Beresford Stakes at Naas last time out in September and it wouldn’t be a shock if he continues the excellent trial form of Aidan O’Brien.
Line Of Duty didn’t do much wrong last season and finished by winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf Juvenile. If he sees out this longer trip, he could run well.
3.35
BERINGER has been upped just 3lb despite winning in gutsy fashion at Newmarket last time out. He showed the positive signs of a breathing operation there and could be a few pounds ahead of the assessor over an ideal trip.
Love Dreams has put in a couple of good efforts this season, including when a close second at Goodwood last time out. He steps up in distance here which could help too.
Hayadh and Commander Han battled it out at Thirsk last time and it would be no surprise to see them on the premises again.
4.05
NO NONSENSE is interesting dropping in class and distance here after a good second in an Ascot Group 3 last time out. He has plenty of pace and proven staying power is an asset on the Knavesmire.
Soldier’s Call loved this trip and won a Doncaster Group 2 over it last year. He was beaten in a tight finish for the Abbaye at Longchamp and will have every chance if training on.
Well Done Fox has been knocking on the door and looked in need of the run when coming back from six months off in the same Ascot race. He likes it here and should show a lot more here.
4.35
STORY OF LIGHT comes from a yard that often does well with newcomers and he is bred to be classy. He will need further in time but should be ready for this debut.
Repartee is another to keep an eye on as he has a classy pedigree and cost a fair whack as a yearling. Watch the betting for clues.
Similar comments apply to Hong Kong from Ballydoyle. He cost a million dollars and should relish this distance.
5.05
PIPES OF PEACE is worth a chance in a wide open race. He ran well at Musselburgh on his turf comeback last time and had to make up a lot of ground in the closing stages.
The handicapper has left his mark alone and he should enjoy this longer distance. Handiwork stayed well when winning at Doncaster last time and will handle this tough test again from just 2lb higher in the weights.
Carnwennan was second in that race coming back from six months off. He wouldn’t have to improve much to figure again.
PERTH
2.00 Mister Manduro
2.35 Get Out The Gate
3.10 Load Up Time
3.45 Bafana Blue
4.15 Legal History
4.45 Little Stevie
5.15 Lough Kent
SALISBURY
1.40 Aroha
2.10 Frisella
2.45 Humanitarian
3.20 Oydis
3.55 Stratification
4.25 Warning Fire
4.55 Jungle Inthebungle
5.25 Tamerlane
FONTWELL
5.00 Allie Beag
5.30 Steeles Terrace
6.05 Kit Barry
6.40 Monsieur Gibraltar
7.15 Wonderful Charm
7.50 Dandan
8.25 Tusa Eire
NEWMARKET
5.10 Yimkin
5.45 Apollinaire
6.20 Gentlewoman
6.55 Hameem
7.30 Apparate
8.05 Battle Of Wills
8.35 Migration
