Boardman heads trio of course-and-distance winners in red-hot handicap

Saturday: 2.35 York
JCB Handicap | 7f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

The three course-and-distance winners, Boardman, Maywake and Challet, all occupy prominent positions in the market.

Boardman will need to defy a career-high mark if he is to justify likely warm favouritism, but he’s relatively low-mileage for a six-year-old and still appears to be firmly on the upgrade.

Everything went like clockwork for Tim Easterby’s charge from an ace draw in stall two at Chester last time when he beat Mykonos St John, who renews rivalry, by a length and a quarter.

Mykonos St John’s rider claimed 3lb that day so, in effect, Boardman is only 2lb worse off with Scott Dixon’s opponent on the Knavesmire.

Maywake, winner of his last three races, is highly progressive, but will need to show a chunk of further improvement to extend the sequence to four.

After all, his York win last time out was achieved off an official mark of 80, with highly promising apprentice Harry Davies taking off 7lb.

Maywake now competes off 87, which is effectively 14lb higher, and he only scraped home by a neck from Tamaska, with Mykonos St John (now 7lb better off) half a length back in third.

Challet’s form figures at York of 1133 are particularly eyecatching when taking into account those races were contested by 19, 12, 20 and 18 runners respectively.

He is 4lb higher than when last successful, but ran a rock-solid race over course and distance when third to Il Bandito last month, and seems sure to go close once again.

Lion Tower: two of his four wins last season came at MusselburghCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Lion Tower, another who appears well suited by the demands of York, drops back to seven furlongs after finishing second to Eilean Dubh over a mile last time.

His two Musselburgh wins last term came at this trip and, while he doesn’t appear to have anything in hand of the handicapper at present, he is another who ought to be bang there at the finish.

Maywake bids for four-timer

Many punters are drawn to horses with a string of 1s next to their name, and Maywake is sure to prove popular as he bids for a four-timer.

The lightly raced four-year-old, who has scored at Newcastle (twice) and York, looked an improved model when landing a 20-runner seven-furlong handicap on the Knavesmire last month on his seasonal reappearance, and looks open to further improvement.

That was only his fourth start on turf, and the son of Mayson would probably not want the ground to dry up any further.

Trainer Richard Fahey said: "He won at York last time and we’ve been pleased with him since. We’d like to think he could run well again as he clearly likes the track."

Some observers believed that Maywake landed that York event with a degree of comfort, and Fahey agrees.

"I felt when he hit the front he pulled up a little bit and is entitled to come on for the run," he said. "He’s won his last three, and is improving. I hope he runs another big race."

What they say

Tim Easterby, trainer of Boardman
He's in good order and I expect the ground will suit. He's running here instead of Ascot next week and has a good chance.

Michael Dods, trainer of Challet
He likes York, and seems in good form. It’s a tight race. Boardman tends to come there late and win his race and could still be ahead of the handicapper.

Michael Dods: trainer of course-and-distance winner ChalletCredit: Edward Whitaker

John Quinn, trainer of Titan Rock
I’m happy with him, and he seems in good order. It’s his first run back, but I’m hoping he’ll run well. The ground will be absolutely fine for him.

Scott Dixon, trainer of Mykonos St John
He’s been incredibly busy over the last month or so, and is holding his form really well. He had a shocking draw at Epsom last Friday and could never get into the race. He’s come back bouncing, and runs well at York. He’s a couple of pounds better off with Boardman, who beat him at Chester, but I think Boardman won with a bit in hand that day. It’s a tough race, but he should be there or thereabouts at the finish once again.

Saturday's race previews:

2.00 York: 'It's extra special' - Serena Brotherton excited for female amateur challenge

2.50 Sandown: Can the classy Caturra justify decision to skip Commonwealth Cup?

3.05 York: Shadwell have got it right this year - but has one slipped through the net?

3.40 York: 'I fancy him very strongly here' - key trainer quotes for York's big sprint

3.40 York analysis: Who's on the right path to sprint glory? Graeme Rodway outlines the best route (£)

Saturday jury: 'I'd be very excited to ride him' - Jack Mitchell with his big hope for Ascot (£)

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