UK Horse Racing Tips: York

Having fended off reopposing rival Jm Jungle on his return to action at Musselburgh last month, American Affair warrants respect in his follow-up bid. However, a 4lb rise demands more from the five-year-old and fellow last-time-out winner SPARTAN ARROW may prove more leniently handicapped. Archie Watson's charge looked improved for the introduction of cheekpieces at Epsom and he may defy a 7lb higher mark. Shagraan and Pilgrim are the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Spartan Arrow 2nd American Affair 3rd Shagraan

ROMIEU was quite taking on his UK debut when making all in a novice event at Redcar last month. An official rating of 90 looks workable for the Lope De Vega gelding and a third victory in four outings could be on the cards. The biggest threat may emerge from the returning Sisyphean, who ran out an easy winner over C&D in July last year. Blue For You and La Trinidad are some other likely players.
Prediction : 1st Romieu 2nd Sisyphean 3rd Blue For You

Although she could only muster a fifth-placed finish in the Gordon Richards at Sandown last month, there is every chance that SEE THE FIRE could improve for that seasonal debut. Andrew Balding's filly posted several creditable efforts in defeat at the top level last year and a return to the scene of her last success could prove fruitful. Nakheel ended her 2024 campaign on an upward trajectory and, despite this trip looking on the sharp side, the Park Hill hero shouldn't be underestimated. Doha should also have better days ahead.
Prediction : 1st See The Fire 2nd Nakheel 3rd Doha

THE LION IN WINTER unfortunately missed his initial intended assignment in the first Classic this year, but there is no doubting the level of ability the son of Sea The Stars showed in his juvenile campaign. Aidan O'Brien's colt produced a sparkling performance to beat Wimbledon Hawkeye (second) and subsequent 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court (third) in the Acomb here last summer. He is likely to have lots more to offer, especially with this step up in distance expected to bring about any amount of improvement. Alpine Trail is unbeaten in three starts, with his best effort coming when successful in Listed company at Newmarket just under a fortnight ago, and he is one to watch.
Prediction : 1st The Lion In Winter 2nd Alpine Trail 3rd Wimbledon Hawkeye

Aesterius took the Flying Childers at Doncaster prior to a respectable sixth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar last season and his chance is there for all to see. However, STAR OF MEHMAS did well to finish as close as third in Listed company at Chelmsford on her return and may take a big step forward. Richard Hughes' filly has plenty of pace and, with a smoother trip on the drop from 6f, she could be the one to beat. Mr Lightside and Tropical Storm are in with a shout too.
Prediction : 1st Star Of Mehmas 2nd Aesterius 3rd Mr Lightside

Jan Steen and WISE APPROACH both made winning debuts and the experience will count for a lot. The former impressed with a romp in a Thirsk maiden and is a bright prospect for Karl Burke's yard. However, it was a deeper contest Wise Approach won at Ascot and with a return there possible for something like the Coventry at the Royal meeting, this provides an ideal stepping stone for Godolphin's 1,000,000gns son of Mehmas. The betting should be informative where newcomers such as Full Gas, First Legion and Spaceman are concerned.
Prediction : 1st Wise Approach 2nd Jan Steen 3rd Full Gas

Anniversary and RAHIEBB boast almost identical form profiles and hold significant chances. The former resumes with scope for progression in handicaps, although this is his first start since October and the prospect of fast ground could be problematic. Rahiebb has thrived with two respectable second-placed finishes since he made a winning debut at Newcastle in March. Given the son of Frankel was conceding a penalty to a promising type at Haydock, his most recent effort looks highly commendable. Merchant and Tuscan Star are other strong contenders.
Prediction : 1st Rahiebb 2nd Anniversary 3rd Merchant