UK Horse Racing Tips: York

Richard Hannon won this with a newcomer last season and his Persian Spring, who has the benefit of a run, must be of interest. Kevin Ryan saddles two, of which 350,000gns purchase Sir Sirius might be the pick, but preference is for ROCK STEADY BEAT. Karl Burke's youngsters arguably haven't started as quickly as they usually do so far this term, but the Minzaal colt is a half-brother to the smart Happy Romance and looks worth chancing. Clash Of Hearts merits close inspection, and don't rule out The Ginger Kid either.
Prediction : 1st Rock Steady Beat 2nd Persian Spring 3rd Sir Sirius

Only a tentative vote can go to STURLASSON given the competitive nature of this sprint, in which many will fancy their chances. The son of Invincible Army has found real progress since joining John Ryan, including a creditable second at Bath latest. The likely strong pace will suit and with Oisin Murphy back in the saddle, he might be the value. Corolla Point finished third to Air Force One at Beverley but is now 2lb better off, while popular veteran Copper Knight bids to record a remarkable eighth success on the Knavesmire and his third victory in this race. Hammer The Hammer, Brazen Bolt and Bergerac complete an extensive shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Sturlasson 2nd Corolla Point 3rd Copper Knight

Sea Force (third) probably should have finished closer to MIRSKY (winner) in the Thirsk Hunt Cup. He's 2lb better off and has a favourable draw like the latter but, even so, David O'Meara's charge gets the nod. The seven-year-old travelled strongly into the lead that day and may have been let off lightly with a 3lb rise. Shout ran with credit in the Lincoln before disappointing as favourite in the Spring Cup at Newbury and is considered along with stable companions of the selection Cerulean Bay and Walsingham. Old Cock is only 1lb higher than when winning this 12 months ago.
Prediction : 1st Mirsky 2nd Sea Force 3rd Cerulean Bay

SEE THE FIRE only won by a neck on her reappearance at Nottingham, but it would be no surprise to see her take a big step forward on her return to the Knavesmire. A 12-length winner of this contest last year, the five-year-old was not disgraced when fourth in the Juddmonte International over C&D in August. On that evidence, Andrew Balding's mare could take some stopping. Fallen Angel would be a threat if transferring her best mile form to this distance and she wasn't beaten far on her only previous start over 1m2f. All of the remainder have claims, but Diamond Rain is the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st See The Fire 2nd Fallen Angel 3rd Diamond Rain

Christmas Day showed a good attitude when winning the Ballysax at Leopardstown and has to be respected on the back of that performance. However, marginal preference is for MORSHDI, who looked an exciting prospect when taking the Feilden at Newmarket. With the prospect of more improvement likely, the son of Dubawi just gets the vote. Wise Prince was keen when third in the Classic Trial, a place behind Al Zanati, and could make his presence felt if settling better. Action, a disappointing fourth at Sandown, and the unbeaten Item are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Morshdi 2nd Christmas Day 3rd Wise Prince

Flying Childers winner Revival Power wasn't disgraced shouldering a penalty in the Cornwallis last season and must enter the reckoning. That said, Tim Easterby's filly does lack a recent run, which could sway things into ASPECT ISLAND's favour. The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint third, who was a head of Revival Power when occupying the same position at Newmarket previously, shaped with encouragement on his seventh-placed seasonal bow in the Abernant and that should have blown away any cobwebs. Debut Doncaster scorer Manatee Mehmas is also of interest.
Prediction : 1st Aspect Island 2nd Revival Power 3rd Manatee Mehmas

HARD TO BELIEVE looked to have improved for a break when making all at Wolverhampton and there could be more to come. The second and third have scored since, suggesting that an official rating of 80 is more than workable for Andrew Balding's charge. Arc Ole Ole made a successful handicap/seasonal bow at Doncaster and is open to further improvement stepping up in trip. Kempton winner Charles Darnay isn't easily dismissed either.
Prediction : 1st Hard To Believe 2nd Arc Ole Ole 3rd Charles Darnay