UK Horse Racing Tips: York

SOUTHERN VOYAGE progressed nicely throughout last season, landing a hat-trick of victories including twice in handicap company at Ascot and Thirsk, and the son of Wootton Bassett appeals as the type to step forward once again, especially after a gelding operation. Forza Orta ran with plenty of credit here behind Gaassee earlier in the season and a drop in class is likely to see him enter calculations, while My Little Queens could have more to offer on her first attempt at 1m4f.
Prediction : 1st Southern Voyage 2nd Forza Orta 3rd My Little Queens

FLOTUS was unfortunate to bump into a progressive rival when finishing second at Haydock two starts ago and she then made the frame in the Commonwealth Cup. A reproduction of either of those efforts today would give her a big chance in this company. Zain Claudette was not disgraced in the same race at Royal Ascot and last year's Lowther winner should not be underestimated today. Similar comments apply to Hala Hala Athmani, while Umm Kulthum is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Flotus 2nd Zain Claudette 3rd Hala Hala Athmani

With several appealing prospects going to post, marginal preference is for YAHSAT, who has been markedly eased in grade having not been disgraced in a Group 2 at Royal Ascot last month. She has proven form over this course and distance, beaten a neck by Pillow Talk in a Listed race in May. The Platinum Queen is another worthy of consideration, along with the down-in-trip Mersea.
Prediction : 1st Yahsat 2nd The Platinum Queen 3rd Mersea

After being headed, Animato showed a willing attitude to land his second career win at Redcar last time and warrants plenty of respect. However, Roger Varian's ASAASSI looks the type to build on his recent Salisbury maiden win now handicapping and the son of Sea The Moon gets the nod. Kalahari Prince arrives on the back of a creditable fourth in a novice event at Redcar last month and the handicap debutant is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Asaassi 2nd Animato 3rd Kalahari Prince

SALEYMM has been knocking on the door in similar contests this season, most notably when runner-up in the Lincoln, and a recent gelding operation may be the key to him gaining a first success in 2022. Northern Express went up 4lb for a recent success over course and distance, travelling strongly throughout that event, and he commands plenty of respect. Escobar also won here earlier in the season and is respected, along with Major Partnership, whose stable have a fine record with horses returning from a long absence.
Prediction : 1st Saleymm 2nd Northern Express 3rd Escobar

Ghathanfar has been raised 5lb for his win at Pontefract but perhaps the application of cheekpieces could eke out enough improvement to defy the handicapper, though PEGGY SIOUX is marginally preferred. Kevin Ryan's filly showed plenty of grit to keep on for third once headed in a valuable handicap at Royal Ascot and a 3lb rise for that looks fair. Chester winner King Of Tonga, the consistent Eeh Bah Gum and Nottingham second James Watt also merit respect.
Prediction : 1st Peggy Sioux 2nd Ghathanfar 3rd King Of Tonga

BEAUTIFUL SURPRISE showed plenty of promise when scoring on her debut at Epsom, before finishing a well-beaten third on the all-weather at Wolverhampton last September. A return to turf could be perfect for Hugo Palmer's charge. Piastrella may not be far behind her having finished a good third at Beverley over an extended 7f last month, while International Boy is another entitled to improve up in trip and he completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Beautiful Surprise 2nd Piastrella 3rd International Boy