3 minute read

The team take a look at the action live on ITV this Thursday.

Lindum York Handicap (Class 2) – York – 2.20

Connections of Arklow Lad know a thing or two about improving a horse and they've done exactly that with this unexposed four-year-old, who took another step forward in the first-time cheekpieces to score at Pontefract last time out. He always looked like getting home in front on that occasion and a 4lb rise may prove lenient with the same headgear combination applied once more.

Arklow Lad

Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai "City Bowl" Handicap (Class 3) – Salisbury – 2.40

Sheena West won this last season and her latest contender, Mr Freedom, looks interesting back from a lengthy absence. He hasn't run for 628 days on the flat but was a good third in Class 2 company over hurdles last March. He's 2lb higher than when scoring at Sandown on the flat in July 2024 and does have winning form when fresh.

Mr Freedom

Oakmere Homes Hambleton Handicap (Class 2) – York – 2.55

David O'Meara saddles five here and the pick of them may be Walsingham, who has won four of his last six starts and continues to improve for his shrewd connections. He's gone up 4lb for his latest success at Pontefract, but he couldn't have done that much more cosily and a current mark of 88 remains feasible based on his early Irish form. His handler often targets these big handicaps at this meeting and this six-year-old might be capable of providing him with another victory off a featherweight.

Walsingham

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies' Stakes (Group 2) – York – 3.30

See The Fire's twelve-length demolition in this race last year lives long in the memory and she comes out well at the weights here. She's surely come forward from her reappearance success in the Nottinghamshire Oaks and has a significant race fitness advantage over main rivals Fallen Angel and Diamond Rain.

See The Fire

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (Group 2) – York – 4.05

Morshdi was a late withdrawal from the Dee Stakes last week due to connections' worry about the 'slippy' riding surface at Chester. That extra week shouldn't have done him any harm, nor will the step up in trip, with this well put-together son of Dubawi showing excellent staying qualities when landing the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket last time.

Morshdi

British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes (Listed) – York – 4.40

Winter Power won this in 2021 for the Tim Easterby team and his half-sister, Revival Power, could follow suit for the same connections. She looked as good as ever when winning the Julia Graves Roses Stakes over course and distance last season and proved it to be no fluke with commanding win in the Flying Childers at Doncaster later in the year. Tim Easterby's speedy filly has the potential to do even better at three and can make a winning reappearance.

Revival Power