Key punting pointers and trainer quotes for the bet365 Handicap

3.00 Newmarket
bet365 Handicap | 6f, 3yo | ITV3/RTV

York handicap could prove key again

It is usually a puzzle unravelling these competitive sprint handicaps but you have a good chance of finding the winner simply by picking out one of the horses who ran in the valuable 6f handicap at York last month.

The six most recent winners of this £100,000 contest ran in the York event prior to making the trip for day one of the July meeting.

Five of the 20-runner field were in action in the Knavesmire race – Magical Wish, Dazzling Dan, Rathbone, Blown By Wind and Barbill.

Dazzling Dan was sixth at York and is the mount of David Probert, who has won the race four times in the last ten runnings, including last year aboard Foxtrot Lady.

Trainer Pam Sly said: "Dazzling Dan was stuck in the stalls for what seemed like eight minutes at York and I think he went to sleep and missed the break. Hopefully they’ll put him in a bit later this time and it shouldn’t be a problem.

"He’s drawn 14 and that looks fine. He ran well at this course last year in similar conditions so I’m not concerned about the fast ground and he's in good shape."

Ryan bids to go one better

Kevin Ryan has not had the best of luck in this race in recent years with runner-up Stormbringer beaten a nose last year and Tommy Taylor denied by a head the year before.

This time round the trainer is represented by Rathbone, who has already won twice this season and finished eighth in the York contest that often throws up the winner of this race.

Ryan said: "He’s in good form coming into this race and he will like the decent ground."

Return to six furlongs should suit Cobra

Philipine Cobra continues to thrive since joining Phil McEntee in the spring and the trainer is confident the filly will bounce back on her return to six furlongs after finishing third over the minimum distance at this track last time.

McEntee said: "We felt after she won at York she might handle the drop back to five furlongs but she just got outpaced on the fast ground.

"She will be suited by the return to six furlongs and should handle the good to firm ground. It’s a competitive race but she’s got a nice light weight and I’m hoping for a big run from her."

Promising Vino on the up

Pass The Vino looked a horse with plenty of potential when a ready winner of a novice event at Wolverhampton in March on his first outing for trainer Paul D’Arcy.

D'Arcy said: "He’s an unexposed horse and we’re hopeful he’ll do well. It’s a tough start for his first handicap but there aren’t many suitable three-year-old-only races.

"He had a little injury after he won at Wolverhampton so we’ve had to be patient.”

What they say

Stuart Williams, trainer of Street Parade
I’m happy with him and Kerrin (McEvoy) knows him well, having won on him last time. It’s his first time at six furlongs but he’s a mature horse and that shouldn’t be a problem.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Magical Wish
He’s doing well and bringing him back to six furlongs will suit.

William Haggas, trainer of Aplomb
I’m concerned about the good to firm ground as all his turf races have been with ease underfoot. He was ante-post favourite for the race but I’ll be surprised if he starts as the favourite. However, this is a £100,000 race and I want to have a go with him.

James Bethell, trainer of Moss Gill
Paul Hanagan reckoned he should be suited by the step up to six furlongs and provided he settles he should be okay. He should handle the faster ground and he’s in great form but this is a tough race.

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