With Royal Ascot just days away, attention is also turning to a strong card at York this Friday, offering a series of compelling races. Racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge has provided his top four selections for the day, highlighting a mix of unexposed talent and horses showing recent form improvements across various races at the historic track.
Among the key selections is Bintaryana, an unexposed filly trained by William Knight. Having raced only four times, she secured a maiden win at Nottingham and has shown potential despite racing freely in her handicap debut at Haydock. Doidge suggests that with more experience, a return to six furlongs, a favourable draw from stall five, and a weight allowance, she presents a good each-way opportunity at odds of 11/4.
Another strong contender is Big Negotiator, who Doidge believes has a very good chance in her race. Her debut at Navan was promising, and while she was a beaten favourite at Listowel, the return to a minimum trip is expected to suit her. The correspondent is confident that her journey from Ireland could prove worthwhile with a win, pricing her at 13/8 for a straight win bet.
Altareq, currently winless in five starts, is put forward as an each-way selection at 5/1. Trained by Jim Goldie, the former John and Thady Gosden inmate showed significant improvement on his reappearance for his new stable, finishing just over a length behind the winner over the course and distance. Despite a slow start and wide draw then, and a subsequent third-place finish at Hamilton, a better draw and return to the original trip are seen as positives. With 16 runners declared, each-way terms could offer up to five places.
Finally, Forest Phoenix is tipped to soar at York, making its handicap debut. The horse recently beat Vinciamo at Catterick and left a strong impression that further improvement is likely. Trained by Tim Easterby, a family known for success at the Knavesmire, the Catterick outing is viewed as a preparatory run for this engagement. Although Vinciamo has a slightly better draw, Forest Phoenix's stall seven is not expected to be a significant disadvantage.
These tips offer a comprehensive look at some of the day's most interesting prospects, providing guidance for those looking to place bets at York before the much-anticipated Royal Ascot festival begins.
Source: Jonathan Doidge, Racing Correspondent