SHOWTIME MAHOMES has more to offer as he seeks to pocket the £51,540 first prize on offer for the Pavers Foundation Catherine Memorial Sprint Handicap (3.40) at York.
Grant Tuer’s three-year-old son of Dabirsim has had his last three outings on the Knavesmire, where course form is always at a premium.
Not beaten far when seventh in a big-money sprint at last year’s Ebor Festival, Showtime Mahomes returned with an encouraging 40-1 third over five furlongs at the Dante fixture last month.
And my selection duly took another step forward back at six furlongs nine days later, holding Devaste – both the second, third and fifth won next time out – by half a length in a 21-runner line-up.
Sam James’s mount has had just eight career starts, but Showtime Mahomes has already proven he can deal with the hurly burly that goes with big-field York sprints and can overcome a 5lb rise in the weights for a second success at the ‘Ascot of the North’.
BOARDMAN looks destined to strike gold for the fourth time this season in the JCB Handicap (2.35).
The Tim Easterby-trained six-year-old is on a roll, having collected on three of his last four outings.
After returning to winning form at Haydock Park in April, the son of Kingman finished fifth at Chester’s May meeting next time out.
But Boardman hit the bullseye at Thirsk eight days later, and finished with gusto to beat Mykonos by a length and a quarter on the Roodee two weeks ago.
A 4lb rise in the weights for that success could have been worse, and the fact David Allan’s mount came out on top on his only previous try over the course and distance is another plus.
A drop in grade is taken to do the trick for old favourite EUCHEN GLEN in the Listed Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Grand Cup (3.05).
Although he’s now nine, Jim Goldie’s stable stalwart is still capable of smart form on his day, as when capturing last year’s Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown Park.
Euchen Glen hasn’t been at his best this season, following a well-beaten sixth at Doncaster in March on his comeback with the same finishing position in the Group 2 Henry II Stakes at the Esher venue at the end of last month.
But the latter race didn’t unfold his way – a sluggish start left Euchen Glen to make his ground from the back, while first home Quickthorn made all – and Euchen Glen shouldn’t be written off.
His previous efforts on the Knavesmire point to the chance of THRONE HALL in the opening Queen Mother’s Cup Handicap (2.00).
The Archie Watson-saddled son of Kingman made the podium in competitive handicaps at York in May and August 2021, both efforts coming from a British Horseracing Authority mark of 98.
Throne Hall is 6lb lower here, and Brodie Hampson’s presence in the plate – this contest is restricted to female amateur jockeys – fuels expectations of another good run.
CATURRA should live up to his status as the best horse in the race in the Listed Coral Scurry Stakes at Sandown Park (2.50).
Clive Cox’s speedball has a British Horseracing Authority figure of 110 – even with a penalty, that gives him an edge over his six opponents, the best of whom has a rating of 100.
The extra weight comes as a result of a victory in the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster last September, and Caturra has performed with credit in two outings this year.
Top weight may not be enough to anchor OUZO in the Coral Play “Racing-Super-Series” For Free Handicap (2.15).
After drawing a blank in seven attempts in 2021, Charm Spirit’s son moved from Richard Hannon to Jamie Osborne.
Partnered by the trainer’s daughter, Saffie, the six-year-old marked his stable debut with a fine second to Rebel Territory over this course and distance at the end of last month.
The opening Coral “Beaten-By-A-Length” Free Bet Handicap (1.40) is a good opportunity for ALDHAJA to take his tally in the sphere to two from two.
The Charlie Hills trainee beat Oh Herberts Reign at Haydock on his handicap bow and a 3lb rise looks within range.
At Chester, Derby hero Richard Kingscote, still on a high from Desert Crown’s triumph at Epsom last weekend – can again take centre stage aboard OUTGATE in the Extra Places Every Day At Betway Handicap (3.20).
The son of Outstrip, trained by husband-and-wife team of Dan and Claire Kubler, lost his chance when squeezed out at the start at Haydock on his latest start but came home in front over course and distance the time before.
