15:10 Thirsk

There was lots to like about the way GREAT STATE got back to winning ways at Southwell when last seen and given the runner-up has won impressively since the form has been strongly franked. He is 8lb higher here but that is deservedly so and I think he remains ahead of the handicapper for now. He is 2 from 3 over the minimum trip and with tons of pace on he should be hitting the line hard again. The obvious danger looks to be Sporting Hero for George Boughey. He won 2 from 3 as a 2yo and if fit enough to do himself justice on return should run well. Vespasian hasn’t really gone on given how promisingly he looked initially but I guess he was in form when last seen only missing a neck at Lingfield. If he builds on that back on turf he could run well but I have my reservations against a couple of improvers.

16:00 Newmarket

I’m looking forward to seeing TWILIGHT CALLS in the Palace House at Newmarket on Saturday. This Twilight Son gelding has won first time out for the last two seasons including over C&D last year so goes particularly well fresh. He didn’t do much wrong last season last seen chasing home Nature Strip in the King’s Stand Stakes. He is open to further improvement as a 5yo and could be one to follow this season with this a nice starting point. Manaccan is a big flashy type who also ended last season on the up winning 4 of his last 6 starts. He is a big danger but his best form is on a fast surface so I don’t think he’d want much rain. Of the rest Raasel is likeable and he could be set for another profitable campaign for connections. He is a double-figure price in here so might be worth an each way saver as I can see him running well.