UK Horse Racing Tips: York

Modern Times looks interesting on his debut for Tim Easterby and, although he hasn't been seen since January, he wasn't beaten far at Newcastle off this mark and has to enter calculations. Dashing Darcey ran well in second off 1lb lower at Haydock and is noted, but HAVANA PUSEY is preferred. Trying this trip for the first time at Goodwood, she came home two and a quarter lengths clear of the second and there is every chance she has more to come over this distance.
Prediction : 1st Havana Pusey 2nd Dashing Darcey 3rd Modern Times

Born Ruler seems likely to prove popular for Sir Mark Prescott after his Redcar fourth, but he is yet to win beyond 10 furlongs. Saligo Bay stayed on well to win over this distance at Haydock last month and he can go well off 4lb higher, but a chance is taken on SARATOGA GOLD. Third off his current rating over course and distance latest when running on again late in the race, Lauren Frost claims 5lb aboard the seven-year-old and he looks all set for a big run.
Prediction : 1st Saratoga Gold 2nd Saligo Bay 3rd Born Ruler

Absurde kept on well when third to Illinois and Al Qareem over a furlong shorter in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester last month and, given he meets the runner-up on better terms, he must have a good chance. ALSAKIB is already a C&D winner after beating Al Qareem here in July last year and, if he improves for his reappearance following a gelding operation when fourth in the Yorkshire Cup, then this race is comfortably within range. El Cordobes is respected too.
Prediction : 1st Alsakib 2nd Absurde 3rd El Cordobes

DOUBLE RUSH is a sprinter on the upgrade and looks worth sticking with. The son of Blue Point won a competitive contest at Newmarket on his handicap debut and a 5lb rise looks fair given both the third and fourth have subsequently won. Marchogion also scored at Newmarket when beating American Style with a bit up his sleeve. He can confirm that form, while Clive Cox has won two of the last three renewals so Doncaster novice winner Fast Track Harry also enters calculations.
Prediction : 1st Double Rush 2nd Marchogion 3rd Fast Track Harry

STELLAR SUNRISE missed the break at Goodwood on his introduction, but showed plenty of pace to make up the lost ground and finish a creditable second. The son of Space Blues will be a lot wiser today and this flat 6f will suit Andrew Balding's charge. Lyrical Song would likely have finished closer than fifth at Pontefract with a clear run and he could be in the mix, while the newcomers Tactical Formation and Yy Nation should be noted for any significant support.
Prediction : 1st Stellar Sunrise 2nd Lyrical Song 3rd Tactical Formation

CLASSIC ENCOUNTER has finished placed in two strong Newmarket handicaps since he made a winning seasonal debut at Redcar in April and is a tough customer to deal with when he gets his ground. Handily drawn and with the likelihood of suitable underfoot conditions, the George Boughey-trained four-year-old is an attractive proposition. Obelix, the hat-trick seeking Garden Oasis and Capital Guarantee also hold solid credentials, while Pisanello is another must for the shortlist having won this corresponding race off 7lb higher 12 months ago.
Prediction : 1st Classic Encounter 2nd Obelix 3rd Garden Oasis

Richard Fahey has two strong contenders in the form of MUSICAL TOUCH and Ziggy's Condor. With Oisin Orr booked for the latter, it's safe to assume the son of Havana Grey might be the stable's main hope. However, Cian Horgan is young rider that is well worth his 5lb claim and Musical Touch can benefit from that handy asset from the saddle. The hat-trick seeking Ingleby Archie is another serious player, with his berth in stall 22 a persuasive factor. Spirit Of Applause and Jonny Concrete are notable each-way options.
Prediction : 1st Musical Touch 2nd Ziggys Condor 3rd Ingleby Archie