DESPITE the absence of likely hotpot Blue Goblin from the field in the valuable William Hill Trophy at York, Luca Cumani may well yet be able to capture the prize with Yorkie George.
The master of Bedford House always enjoys a tilt at the big handicaps and he looks to have found a decent opportunity for his charge here.
After an encouraging seasonal reappearance at Newmarket, the colt went off a well-backed second favourite at York but never landed a blow.
But Yorkie George's most recent run at Windsor confirmed that the three-year old has plenty of ability, going down by a neck to Triple Hay with Warning Time, a good winner since, back in third.
He meets the winner on 9lb better terms today and has the potential to carry on improving in the rain-softened ground that he prefers.
Bishops Court looks to have a favourite's chance on his clear-cut victory at Chester on soft ground and Restless Spirit also has claims, but Yorkie George has a good look about him.
After a slow start to the season, Tim Easterby's spring seem to be coming to hand and Sandmoor Chambray can repeat last year's success in the Cadogan Silver Salver Handicap.
The nine-furlong trip suits this gelding well and if kept closer to the pace than in his last run when he got tapped for toe when held up in rear he can go close at a decent price. In-form High Premium could be the biggest danger.
Over £16,000 in added prize money has attracted some decent performers to Leicester tonight for the Listed Leicester Mercury Stakes over a mile and a half.
The prize can go to John Dunlop's grey five-year old Medaille Militaire who will not have been sent up from Arundel without good reason.
If Key To My Heart adopts his usual front-running role then a good gallop looks ensured and Kevin Darley can bring his mount late to pounce.
Already a winner in Listed company last season, this return to a mile and a half trip looks sure to suit and if he comes on for his re-appearance third behind Germano, then he should be good enough to see off his rivals.
Bryn Palling had high hopes for his two-year old Ruzen before its disappointing last of four at York a month ago.
However, he would not be the last horse to bounce back after a poor second run and the colt can redeem himself in the Tipsters Table Novice Median Auction Stakes and confirm the promise he showed over course and distance on his racecourse debut.
. Sleepytime, impressive winner of the Pertemps 1,000 Guineas, will face a maximum of six rivals in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday. Also among the seven fillies declared is Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Classic Park from the formidable Aidan O'Brien team, who also has Mingling Glances in the £160,000-added Group One contest.
