UK Horse Racing Tips: York

Not many can confidently be ruled out and the likes of previous C&D winner Korker and Copper Knight, who is already a dual winner of this race, are high on the shortlist in a highly-competitive renewal. However, DESIGNER is in the right weight bracket of previous winners and John Butler's lightly-raced filly shades a narrow vote of confidence. Whenthedealinsdone is another on a appealing mark, while Clarendon House and Mondammej also have solid chances.
Prediction : 1st Designer 2nd Korker 3rd Copper Knight

Aristia found only the classy Nashwa too strong in the Nassau before going on to land Group 1 honours of her own in the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville. That level of form entitles her to the utmost respect, but the vote goes to FREE WIND. The lightly-raced daughter of Galileo won the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock last summer, despite meeting trouble at a crucial stage, and she looks certain to progress further. Sea Silk Road can chase them home, ahead of Stay Alert.
Prediction : 1st Free Wind 2nd Aristia 3rd Sea Silk Road

A strong handicap on paper, with the vote going to ASSESSMENT. The lightly-raced son of Kingman returned from a spell on the sidelines with a comfortable success at Kempton on his handicap bow and a 6lb rise is unlikely to halt his progression. Cruyff Turn won this contest 12 months ago off a 1lb higher mark and wasn't disgraced behind the reopposing Northern Express in the Thirsk Hunt Cup. Both are respected, while others worth noting include Blue For You, Croupier and Toshizou.
Prediction : 1st Assessment 2nd Cruyff Turn 3rd Northern Express

WHITE BIRCH is an interesting contender and should not be underestimated after his Ballysax triumph, where he travelled strongly and battled on well, despite being hampered late on. With connections hopeful he has more to come, he could surprise these, although it is a competitive renewal. Passenger was impressive in the Wood Ditton and has to be respected, while Continuous and Flying Honours have form at a higher level and can also get involved in the finish.
Prediction : 1st White Birch 2nd Passenger 3rd Continuous

Arguably an unlucky second in the Norfolk at Royal Ascot last summer, Walbank appeals as the type to kick on this season. Rocket Rodney joins him in setting the standard on official ratings and should also be capable of mounting a serious challenge, but the vote goes to SILENT WORDS. Having made a successful debut at Newcastle in November, Kevin Ryan's filly made a promising colt pull out all the stops at Hamilton on her reappearance and has scope for much more improvement.
Prediction : 1st Silent Words 2nd Walbank 3rd Rocket Rodney

A very interesting contest but marginal preference is for CUBAN THUNDER, who caught the eye when second on his debut at Newmarket. With the benefit of that experience, the son of Profitable could be hard to stop, although similar comments apply to Emperor Of Rome. Aidan O'Brien's colt also hit the crossbar on his racecourse bow and the application of cheekpieces may help his chances. The well-bred Impressive Act is the pick of the newcomers, ahead of Varden and Air Force One.
Prediction : 1st Cuban Thunder 2nd Emperor Of Rome 3rd Impressive Act

The value may lie with BALTIC VOYAGE, who has experience of this track when a promising fourth in the Convivial in August. The son of Frankel looked to be crying out for a step up in trip on multiple occasions last season and he gets that opportunity now, with Frankie Dettori taking over in the saddle. Chesspiece ran a fine race behind the subsequent Lingfield Derby Trial winner at Newbury and must enter calculations, along with easy Newcastle scorer Land Legend. Rathgar and Torre Del Oro are entitled to be thereabouts as well.
Prediction : 1st Baltic Voyage 2nd Chesspiece 3rd Land Legend