Friday Horse Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

Northern Express 7/1 (1pt ew)

The Michael Dods trained NORTHERN EXPRESS (best priced at 7/1) won this race in 2023 and can further enhance his impressive record at York. The eight-year-old has won three times and placed a further seven times at York in his career and he is now looking well handicapped off a mark of 95. 
Northern Express ended last season finishing 3rd in a Class 2 0-105 handicap over a mile here off a mark of 97 and now runs in this Class 3 0-95 handicap off a mark of 95. He was only beaten 3 ¾ lengths last time at Newmarket when weak in the market after a 126-day break and this race will have no doubt been a target. With up to six places available, he looks sure to be involved in the finish. 

Mysterious Times 7/4 (1pt)

Flann Sunna, Peaceful Warrior and Persazz all won on their debuts but as a result have to concede weight to the talented MYSTERIOUS TIMES (best priced at 7/4) who should be able to get off the mark at the third attempt. The Night Of Thunder colt cost 425,000gns as a yearling and made an encouraging debut when looking green over 5f from a wide draw at Sandown.
Mysterious Times was only beaten a head when 3rd at Newmarket a fortnight ago over this 6f having raced keenly in the early stages. He didn’t get the clearest of runs that day but stayed on strongly giving the impression that this stiff 6f should suit him well. He can justify favouritism and reward punters who keep the faith after last time. 

Emperor Spirit 13/2 (1pt ew)

This looks a competitive 0-90 handicap but a chance is taken that last year’s winner EMPEROR SPIRIT (best priced at 13/2) can repeat his success. The Michael Keady trained eight-year-old won this race off a mark of 86 last season and he comes into the contest this season in good form. He finished 2nd on his reappearance at Ascot off a mark of 83 before disappointing on the soft ground at Epsom on his next start in the Dash.

Emperor Spirit bounced back to finish 2nd beaten less than a length at Beverley last time off this mark of 83 for which the handicapper has raised him 1lb for. He therefore runs here from 1lb “well in” at the weights and he can make it 2/2 at this track with blinkers replacing his usual cheekpieces. 

Green Sky 7/2 (1pt)

GREEN SKY (best priced at 7/2) won on her stable debut for Rod Millman in impressive style and she should hold strong claims of following up under a penalty. The six-year-old had previously been trained by David Pipe but won after a short 72 day break with headgear removed. She stayed on strongly over this 1m4f trip to win by 7 ½ lengths off a mark of 67 and the handicapper has raised her 8lbs as a result. 
Green Sky instead runs here under a 5lb penalty meaning that she is 3lbs “well in” at the weights even before taking into account the 7lb claim of Toby Moore. She should be able to follow up if she can run up to the same form only a week later.