UK Horse Racing Tips: York

NOMADIC EMPIRE sets the standard on his course-and-distance debut effort behind Windsor Castle third Muker and could take plenty of beating if running to a similar level this afternoon. Max Oclock represents shrewd connections and is worth monitoring in the betting on his racecourse bow, though the main danger may be fellow debutant Ancient Times, whose stable are more than capable of readying a newcomer. J R Cavagin needs to improve plenty on his debut showing at Doncaster if he's to figure.
Prediction : 1st Nomadic Empire 2nd Ancient Times 3rd Max Oclock

This looks a fantastic opportunity for GARSMAN, who won at this level at Newmarket before going down narrowly in better races at both Windsor and Pontefract. Booking Group 1-winning apprentice Cieren Fallon, who can take off 3lb, looks a very smart move and this classy Garswood gelding looks sure to be there or thereabouts at the finish. Chairmanic is a progressive sort and won cosily off 7lb lower at Haydock last time, while Live In The Moment also merits respect cutting back a furlong on his turf return.
Prediction : 1st Garsman 2nd Chairmanic 3rd Live In The Moment

Cityzen Serg has made the podium on all three outings on the all-weather so far and makes plenty of appeal dropping back to a mile for his first turf appearance. However, preference is for TASAAMUH, who ran on well to take third at Kempton on debut and could have plenty more to come. Sidereal was an improver when third at Windsor and is noted, as is My Oberon, who represents a leading stable who enjoy saddling winners here.
Prediction : 1st Tasaamuh 2nd Cityzen Serg 3rd Sidereal

Communique put a modest run at Ascot behind him when second in Group 2 company at Newmarket recently and would be dangerous if allowed an uncontested lead for Mark Johnston. The tactics on Universal Order will probably be the exact opposite, given that he was delivered late to score at HQ last month, but this can go to MOONLIGHT SPIRIT. He drops in trip/class, handles varying ground, and represents the in-form Charlie Appleby, so should prove tough to beat.
Prediction : 1st Moonlight Spirit 2nd Universal Order 3rd Communique

A very competitive renewal of this contest but the marginal preference is for AFAAK, who caught the eye when finishing seventh in the Hunt Cup on his seasonal return last month. The son of Oasis Dream is only 2lb higher than when winning that race in 2019, which means that he is 3lb lower then when fifth in this race 12 months ago. Caradoc was progressive last year and he may improve for his recent effort at Epsom, while Solid Stone and Fifth Position are others with strong form claims. The shortlist is completed by Desert Icon, Harrovian and Pivoine.
Prediction : 1st Afaak 2nd Caradoc 3rd Fifth Position

l'Abbaye third EL ASTRONAUTE looked on good terms with himself when making a winning return to action (from Tarboosh) in Listed company at Doncaster and is expected to give it his best shot on the front end once again. Que Amoro beat Moss Gill (second) in a valuable three-year-old handicap here last term and recently struck in Listed company against her own sex at Ayr. This is tougher against the boys, though, and 2018 Nunthorpe winner Alpha Delphini and Equilateral, who chased home Battaash in the King's Stand before changing ownership and running in the July Cup, bring genuine class to the table.
Prediction : 1st El Astronaute 2nd Equilateral 3rd Alpha Delphini

MAKE MY DAY was last seen winning a maiden for John Gosden at Goodwood 393 days ago and is interesting on handicap debut now with Ralph Beckett. That form has worked out nicely, with the third winning here earlier this month and fourth winning the Northumberland Plate. The selection won't mind dropping in trip, and is preferred to Arctic Fox, who scored twice here last summer and is 1lb below her last winning mark. Mayfair Spirit completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Make My Day 2nd Arctic Fox 3rd Mayfair Spirit

Highly Sprung ran right up to his best when making a winning return at Newmarket last month and a 3lb rise is fair, while Muscika has posted three solid performances since the resumption of racing and merits respect for local trainer David O'Meara. Owney Madden and Triggered are other names to note in a competitive handicap, but marginal preference is for NORTH WIND. He has steadily improved in three 5f starts since joining David Barron and it's worth noting that his sole victory to date came over this longer trip.
Prediction : 1st North Wind 2nd Highly Sprung 3rd Muscika