'When horses are in good form you take your chance' - can Alzahir extend his winning run in Sky Bet Dash Handicap?

The GoingStick is much maligned, but York is one of the better tracks at applying it. The Knavesmire readings are consistent, almost too consistent as they sit in a narrow range. So we can say with confidence that Friday's reading of 5.9 is more like the sort they give in autumn.

That was an evening card, run after the time of going to print, so a check of the times is advised. But we are looking at unusually soft ground for the track and time of year. That matters on the sprint course because the bias away from high-drawn horses here strengthens as the ground softens.

Assuming the GoingStick reading is accurate, that discourages me from recommending any of the high-drawn horses. Sergeant Wilko (22 of 22) and Strike Red (20) would be the most interesting if we see any reason to doubt the softness of conditions.

Generally, though, at York you want to be drawn lower. There is a cluster of particular interest around five to seven. 

In five is Jubilee Walk. He has struggled since a convincing win here at last year's Dante meeting, which meant he was sent off favourite for a race at Royal Ascot. He was strong in the betting on his return from Bahrain last time, with wind surgery and a tongue-tie also tried, and had excuses in third.

The winner of that race at Chester was Alzahir, who is next door in six. He won a heritage handicap at Ascot after and, although the suspicion is the handicapper is catching up with him, he can run well again at a track where he ran respectably over a mile as recently as May.

In seven is Pocklington. He is talented and was campaigned at the Commonwealth Cup last year. He was also strong in the betting on his return at Newcastle last time, where he went down by a short head. His connections are known to target races at York and this may have been the aim all along.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Alan O'Keeffe, assistant to Jennie Candlish, trainer of Alzahir
He's done great in his last three runs at Chester, Epsom and Ascot. He's competing off a career-high handicap mark in a competitive race but he's going well at home, and when horses are in good form you take your chance. He coped with five furlongs the last day but six might probably suit him a tad more. If he keeps progressing he'll run a big race.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Shadwell, owners of Elmonjed
He’s a consistent horse in his own class, but not the most straightforward. He tends to hit a flat spot, and that’s why we’re putting on cheekpieces for the first time. We had hoped he might make a Listed horse this year. One day he’ll pop up and win a decent handicap.

James Ferguson, trainer of Jubilee Walk
He’s had wind surgery since he came back from Bahrain. He ran a lovely race at Chester from a bad draw which has set him up beautifully for this. I am full of confidence that he will appreciate the ground.

Caburn: has his first start for James TateCredit: Edward Whitaker

James Tate, trainer of Caburn
He's a new horse to us and has enjoyed himself in our swimming pool of late. He won the Newbury Super Sprint last year, so has form in these sorts of races.

Ed Walker, trainer of Arctic Thunder
He got no luck at Newcastle last time. He never got a run and passed the post still on the bridle. The upside was that he relaxed well and looked every inch an exciting sprint handicapper in the making. Fingers crossed he gets the breaks this time and can prove the point.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Read more . . .

A score to settle as Calandagan and Jan Brueghel give us another King George showdown to savour 

From a Melbourne Cup cert to a King George winner? Jan Brueghel aiming to confirm Coronation Cup form in Ascot highlight 

Well-treated Aalto bids for Bunbury Cup compensation - analysis and trainer quotes for Ascot cavalry charge 

'He's got everything you'd want in a racehorse' - will Ed Walker's patience be rewarded with Almaqam in York Stakes? 

'This is a very different kettle of fish' - who can trade fences for the Flat in the unique Jump Jockeys' Nunthorpe? 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.