14:00 York

Leg 1 Selections: Piecederesistence, Kihavah

PIECEDERESISTENCE ran well from the front when sixth of 18 behind KIHAVAH over course-and-distance when last spotted and will get a huge six pounds pull at the weights with the winner this time around. He might be able to bridge the gap and is a pound below his last winning mark, though the latter was impressive that day and is just about the one to beat. I’ll go with these two in the opener as I think we should have the first race covered, all being well. 

14:35 York

Leg 2 Selections: Fortamour, Eligible 

FORTAMOUR has been shaping much better than the beaten margins have indicated of late and would have finished much closer last time when fifth if he had a clear passage. This is his lowest ever mark on the turf and is six pounds below his last successful mark, so he could be set to run well. ELIGIBLE beat the former when last seen at York and that form has been boosted by the third, Another Investment, who won very easily here yesterday. He should remain competitive.

15:05 York

Leg 3 Selections: Quickthorn 

QUICKTHORN should be a clear favourite for this race, who returned an impressive 14-length winner in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup at this course in August and that form is the best in the field given he had subsequent winner and Gold Cup favourite Coltrane well-held in second. He is the highest-rated runner in the field, has the course winning form and has proven himself against stronger opposition. It’s possible he could get an uncontested lead as well with Jason Hart doing the steering, so he’s a confident sole pick. 

15:40 York

Leg 4 Selections: Mill Stream, Rousing Encore 

MILL STREAM should be all the better for his return run in the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes and is strongly fancied to at least make an impact on his handicap debut. His half-a-length second to the 117-rated Noble Style at Newmarket, who won a Group 2 next time out, is class form, whilst his fourth in the Acomb Stakes over track and trip behind Chaldean is smart as well. He is surely a major player, as could be ROUSING ENCORE, who’s second in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes is quality form as well. He could be set to outrun his odds on handicap debut for the in-form Richard Fahey team. 

16:15 York

Leg 5 Selections: Twilight Romance, Silent Move

TWILIGHT ROMANCE made a solid start to his career when third at Haydock three weeks ago, form that is working out well with the second already winning next-time-out. He is sure to step forward from that introduction and can play a leading role in the outcome of this event. SILENT MOVE represents the Richard Fahey team, who can get one ready first-time-our and has already attracted a bit of support in the market. He wasn’t a cheap yearling, so hopefully can reward connections with a positive display with the potential to be smart. 

16:50 York

Leg 6 Selections: What’s The Story, Blenheim Boy

WHAT’S THE STORY only got the job done at Carlisle by a neck last-time-out but never looked like getting beaten and remains well-handicapped on historical form having won and placed several times off higher marks throughout his career. The nine-year-old has Tom Marquand in the saddle and could be set to go well again with lots in his favour. BLENHEIM BOY is down in grade after a low-key reappearance but will only need to repeat his third at this course last July to make a serious impact at this lower level. He is five pounds lower mark and his stable is going well, which bodes well for his chances.