Cash in on Profitable back at minimum trip

The forecast rain is likely to suit Gold Prince 1.55 York

Gold Prince has appeared in the handicapper’s grip off this mark of 96 on his last two starts at Goodwood and Ascot. That is 13lb higher than for his last win, and he will have to find improvement from somewhere to defy it. However, the ground on both occasions was fast and, while he handles quick going, the son of Nayef definitely appreciates getting his toe in and there might be more to come from him if rain does hit the Knavesmire.

His last win came on heavy ground and the going was soft when he finished a clear second at Haydock at the beginning of last month. That was also only his second start over 1m4f – he was stepped up in trip on his last two outings – so he is by no means fully exposed over this distance.

I am not sure the blinkers he wore on those last two starts are really necessary (both wins without), but he arrives here with his stable flying – nine winners from 29 runners this month – and any cut in the ground is not sure to suit a few of his rivals, including recent winners Stars Over The Sea, Yorkidding and Sindarban, whose victories came on decent surfaces.

Profitable is capable of bouncing back returned to the minimum trip 3.40 York

Clive Cox’s colt ran well enough when fourth of 18 in the July Cup at Newmarket last month, but he definitely appeared to be stretched by the step up to 6f and is likely to be much more at home at 5f – the trip over which he rattled up a hat-trick before Newmarket.

The son of Invincible Spirit has taken his form to another level this season, winning a Group 3 at Newmarket on his reappearance, then giving weight and a beating to Mecca’s Angel in a Group 2 at Haydock. The hat-trick was completed in the Group1 King’s Stand at Ascot. Interestingly, all three races were on ground with cut, so he won’t be inconvenienced by the forecast rain. He has won on a fast surface, but that was a maiden two seasons ago for which he was sent off at 2-5 and the quick ground is another possible reason for his non-explosive performance last time. Limato, the July Cup winner, is certainly one who would like the rain to stay away.

I wouldn’t be too concerned by the fact Profitable could manage only tenth in this race last season on easy ground, as he looks a different horse now, and his earlier victory over course and distance proves he handles the track.

Forge is unexposed and won’t mind any cut in the ground
3.05 York

Sir Michael Stoute’s colt has a fair bit to find on official ratings, with only a Doncaster maiden win to his name, but he is arguably the least-exposed runner in the field and, although versatile when it comes to the ground, his performance on testing going in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot in June suggests he will be well suited if the foreast rain materialises.

That day he finished third behind Ribchester, who has since won a Group 1. In second place was his stablemate Thikriyaat, who also got the better of him when they were first and second in a Group 3 at Goodwood last month. Forge took a lot longer to pick up on fast ground there than he had at Ascot, although Ryan Moore said afterwards the step up to a mile had stretched his mount and that he would be better back over 7f. Moore’s theory is put to the test here. None of his rivals are as progressive as Ribchester or Thikriyaat and Stoute won this race in 2009 with Confront, who was also dropping in trip.