2:05 york
THE SKY BET “JUMP JOCKEYS’ NUNTHORPE” HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) (To be ridden by Professional Jump Jockeys) (CL 4) (5f)
This is the annual running of the ‘Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe’ Handicap. The hat-trick seeking STONE CIRCLE (13) could hardly be in better form at present and can defy a 2.5kg rise in the weights following a cosy Nottingham success. EEH BAH GUM (18) goes well here and must be respected racing off the same mark as when runner-up in that Nottingham contest. PRIMO’S COMET (6) carries a 2kg penalty for winning comfortably at Musselburgh earlier in the week and holds solid credentials with this big-field to suit. INTERNATIONALDREAM (5) and VAL DE TRAVERS (7) are others to note in what looks a competitive affair.
2:40 York
THE SKY BET DASH HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (CL 2) (6f)
It can often to pay to race prominently in sprint races at York and GALE FORCE MAYA (2) is capable of doing that. Produced an excellent third in the G3 Summer Stakes over course and distance last-time and is set to be involved. SILVER SAMURAI (3) acquitted himself well when midfield in the Wokingham (Handicap) at Royal Ascot and can continue on an upward curve. GHATHANFAR (7) arrives in good form and is interesting having won his sole start in cheekpieces. LUCKY MAN (12) and MONDAMMEJ (1) are others to note.
3:15 York
THE SKY BET YORK STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 2) (CL 1) (1m 2f 56y)
The three-year-old CLAYMORE (4) proved a striking winner of the G3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot. As the unexposed runner in this field can take another step forward and prove up to the task in receipt of weight from her main rivals. DUBAI HONOUR (2) is high-class. Was not disgraced when tenth (beaten 4.5L) tackling the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan (UAE) in March and holds obvious claims dropping to G3 level. DUBAI FUTURE (1) impressed as a 3L winner of the Wolferton Stakes (Listed) at Royal Ascot and must be included. SIR BUSKER (3) looks next best.
