All the hot views with top riders out to ruffle feathers in the Mallard

If all else fails, employ the best available. Brian Ellison and Ian Williams have plumped for high-profile jockey bookings in the hope that nearly horses Seamour and Byron Flyer can get their head in front in the £40,000 William Hill Mallard Handicap (3.00).

Seamour travelled much the best through the race last year but was reeled in late on by Wall Of Fire, form that appears strong following the winner’s subsequent exploits, including when second to leading St Leger hope Defoe at Newbury last month.

Adam Kirby is booked to ride the Phil Martin-owned handicapper for the first time, with the six-year-old racing off a 2lb lower mark than in last year’s contest.

Ellison said: “He’s been working well since the Ebor, will like the ease in the ground and we’ve got a good jockey on board in Adam [Kirby].

“He was giving away a lot of weight last year and the winner has proved to be a good horse.”

Byron Flyer has been beaten less than a length in his last three races combined, going down by a head at Newmarket then a neck at York and most recently by the same margin Ascot in the Shergar Cup Stayers’ Handicap.

Owners The Anchor Men deserve a change in fortune with Williams securing the services of Ryan Moore and applying first-time cheekpieces.

Ryan Moore (left): rides Byron Flyer in the Mallard HandicapCredit: Edward Whitaker

Williams said: “He deserves to win a decent pot on the Flat as he’s been running some really good races in defeat this season.

“These handicaps can boil down to fine margins and Ryan [Moore] is one of our best jockeys – he’ll be riding against many of our other leading riders – but it’s great to have him on board.”

Teal hoping for winning Tip

Roger Teal enjoyed some memorable days with Steele Tango at Newmarket and Meydan and believes a Flying Scotsman Stakes success would be “right up there” with his career highlights if promising juvenile Tip Two Win lands the Listed opener (1.20), won by Frankel seven years ago.

The Anne Cowley-owned son of Dark Angel won on debut at Windsor and ran his best race last time when a staying-on second to Enjazaat in a Listed contest at Ripon last month.

That form gives him every chance in this eight-runner contest, with Teal hoping the ground dries out for Tip Two Win's first attempt at 7f.

Teal said: “There’s no easy races at this level and you have to respect all the runners, but it’s not the scariest race in the world and he deserves his place.

“He’s a nice little horse. He’s not very big but he has a massive heart and is a real trier. He’s got a great attitude and is improving with each run.”

Rare Ballydoyle mount for De Sousa

Silvestre De Sousa teams up with Aidan O'Brien for the second time, having previously finishing third aboard Fields Of Athenry in the St Leger two years ago, partnering Smoulder in the Group 3 Sceptre Stakes (1.50).

Fifth in the Group 3 Fairy Bridge Stakes at Tipperary last time, Smoulder appears to have plenty to find, but it would be foolish to rule out any Ballydoyle second string. Moore rides Galway Listed scorer stablemate Music Box.

De Sousa said: “It’s nice to have a ride for a big stable and I’m delighted Aidan’s given me the opportunity.

“It’s great to be in the mix in races like this.”

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app

Read exclusive previews of day three of the St Leger meeting from 6pm on Thursday on racingpost.com