13:50 York

Wafei is respected off a low weight but preference instead goes to LIEBER POWER (best priced at 8/1) who won his only start at this track and comes into the race having finished a close 2nd last time. The Andrew Balding trained four-year-old has looked progressive this season since winning over this course and distance off a mark of 80 in July before finishing a nose 2nd at Newbury on his next start.

Lieber Power won on his penultimate start at Chepstow off a mark of 83 before finishing a neck 2nd in a competitive Racing League handicap at Windsor under a 5lb penalty. The handicapper has raised him to a mark of 93 following that run but he instead runs here off a mark of 89 meaning that he is 4lbs “well in” at the weights. Back at York, where he has won his only start, he should hold strong claims with up to five places available.  

19:05 York

Last year’s winner Postileo is respected but I am taking a chance on the unexposed three-year-old THEORY OF TIDES (best priced at 7/1) on his handicap debut. The John & Thady Gosden trained colt won his first two starts including an impressive 2 ¼ length victory on good to soft ground at Yarmouth under a penalty and that inspired connections to supplement him for the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

Theory Of Tides disappointed that day on good to firm ground but should now relish this soft ground and he is also fitted with first time cheekpieces. Off an opening mark of 95, he looks sure to run well on his handicap debut with up to five places available. 

19:35 Hamilton

The Iain Jardine trained MOONSTONE BOY (best priced at 9/4) was an easy winner over this course and distance last time and he should hold strong claims off the same mark. The three-year-old has shown his best form on soft ground so he should relish these conditions once again. 

Moonstone Boy won an apprentice handicap over this course and distance 10 days ago off a mark of 76 by 2 ½ lengths and the handicapper has raised him 7lbs for that success. He runs here off the same mark meaning he is well ahead of the handicapper and he should prove hard to beat with Andrew Mullen taking over on board.