Morning all,

Not the best of Saturday’s in terms of quality with no Group races in Britain. However, we do have a couple of what could prove strong form handicaps at York & Chester. I have had look at two races this afternoon on the Knavesmire.

York

2:35 – Lion Tower placed on his last two starts in big field handicaps here and won't be far away again. Challet goes very well here, winning twice here in 2021, including over C&D. Boardman bids for the hat trick after his recent Chester success. He’s 4lb higher than last time but should give it a good go.

Maywake has been progressive since going handicapping, winning over C&D last time. Up 7lb but is going the right way and won’t be far away if as effective on quicker ground. Titan Rock ended last season with a win at Ayr. Its a big ask for him to win this on his seasonal reappearance but if he’s ready to roll has each way claims from 3lb higher.

3:40 – Plenty in with a chance in this valuable 3-year-old only 6f handicap. A strong pace is forecast so it could pay to go against the prominent racers.

Ingra Tor looked a progressive sprint handicapper when winning at Newmarket in April. Up 9lb for his latest success but looks set to progress further and has a favourites chance. Showtime Mahomes beat twenty rivals over C&D last month. He’s unexposed over 6f and looks set to go well again. Devaste finished 1/2 length behind in that York race. He’s since gone on to win at Leicester and another big performance can be expected.

Clive Cox has booked Ryan Moore for Newmarket winner Harry Three. He finished runner-up to Ingra Tor on his previous start and will do well to reverse placings with the winner here, if that one has improved again. Still he’s improving himself and won’t be far way if stall 19 doesn’t prove an inconvenience.

Rely on Tim

Tim Easterby has a good record in the race, saddling the winner five times since 2002 and he’s got lively contenders in Atomic Lady & Roach Power. The first named had form figures of 12 over C&D last season. if she’s trained on from 2 to 3 she’s not weighted out of this. Roach Power remains a maiden after five starts but he went well on his handicap debut when a close-up third to Devaste at Leicester last time. Competitively weighted and I think this race has likely been the target.

Saturday Selection:

York

3:40 – Roach Power – 9/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes.

Good luck with your Saturday bets.

John