Strong opposition makes it worth taking on promising market leader

Foxtrot Knight
2.00 Brighton
SP forecast 13-8

Dropped to a handy mark and followed his second at Wolverhampton last month with an easy four-and-a-half-length success at Pontefract on soft ground last week. Ruth Carr’s gelding is well treated off the same mark, but has disappointed on downhill tracks in the past.

Conclusion Handles quicker ground but the course is the main doubt. At odds-against I’ll take a chance on him acting on it.

2.10 Fakenham
SP forecast 4-5

The 12-year-old is a smart type in this lowly grade and made it four wins from his last five starts when justifying odds-on favouritism over course and distance in March. That was on soft ground but he handles quicker.

Conclusion Tiger Trek is a danger, but Ascendant should be up to it.

Mystic Meg2.20 Thirsk
SP forecast 11-8

Went off 5-2 joint-favourite for a mile fillies’ novice event at Newmarket last September but finished eight lengths behind subsequent Fillies’ Mile third Magic Lily. Those in behind have done little for the form, but she shaped as though the drop to 7f will suit and the hood she wore has been removed.

Conclusion I like Private Cashier and there are a few interesting newcomers too. Lay.

Hinde Street3.20 Thirsk
SP forecast 13-8

Unfancied at 25-1 for his debut in a 1m2f novice event at Lingfield last month but overcame greenness to win going away by a length and a half. John Gosden’s gelding holds Royal Ascot entries over further and looks sure to improve over 1m4f.

Conclusion From a red-hot stable that does well here, but the form of his win has taken some knocks. I’m on the fence.