1

Toyotomi

Although not looking like winning, his fourth in a Deauville G3 this month was probably a career best. Interesting on this UK handicap debut especially on a slow surface.

2

Jordan Electrics

From a stable in excellent form. Has a terrific record of 16 career wins, but will need to be sharp on this 2025 return.

3

Alzahir

Hasn’t looked like winning on any previous York start. But currently in great form, winning sprint handicaps on his last three outings.

4

Korker

Without a win on his last 16 starts though two good placed efforts on his last three starts including over this C&D.

5

Elmonjed

Three good sprint handicap runs out of three this season, especially with a career best when second at Windsor late last month.

6

Pocklington

This speedster’s two wins have been on the all-weather and only just beaten at Newcastle on his 2025 return. But eye-catching here last August. Interesting.

7

Sophia’s Starlight

Can be very effective over this trip if the ground is riding slow. Improvement required on two 2025 starts.

8

Indian Run

Drying conditions ideal for this gelding according to his trainer. A Group-race winning 2yo here who had a disappointing finishing effort last time.

9

Sergeant Wilko

Not beaten far on his last three starts, also doing well off a 2lb higher handicap mark than this on soft ground here last October.

10

Strike Red

Strong form over this C&D with his latest victory coming on soft ground here last October, off an identical handicap mark to this one.

11

Jubilee Walk

Some disappointments since winning a 1000m handicap here last year. But his strong finishing third at Chester last month signified a revival.

12

Aleezdancer

Hiked 4lb in the rating since bouncing back to winning form with a front-running Pontefract victory this month. Also has winning credentials here.

13

Francisco’s Piece

Never a threat at Epsom last time. Needs to return to some of his warm 2yo form that includes a 1000m second here.

14

Caburn

First start for this stable, and dropping to handicap grade after failing to make enough impact in Listed and G3 company this season.

15

Jungle Drums

Led throughout for a surprise victory in a Listed sprint on soft ground here last October. Yet to prove himself as a smart 3-y-o.

16

Arctic Thunder

A solid second at Haydock in May but had zero luck at Newcastle last time and was denied a clear run. His trainer considers him an exciting prospect.

17

Rousing Encore

The latest of his five wins came over this C&D in May quickening smartly to beat 15 rivals. Still handicapped for a good show.

18

King’s Call

Failed to make enough impact in hot sprint handicaps in two starts this season in Great Britain. May need more help from the handicapper.

19

Almarada Prince

Hasn’t made a big splash on two starts this season but perhaps the best run of his career came on his only previous start here, second of 17 in 2024.

20

Orne

Will be an outsider after a succession of modest performances.

21

Brooklyn Nine Nine

Surged late to land a Hamilton sprint handicap last month.

22

Rock Opera

No wins for over a year but plenty of places. Would have finished closer than seventh here last time given a better trip.