Today's Horse Racing Tips: Waliyak can convert a good chance at York

Minzaal to earn his Group stripes in the Gimcrack

14:45 York - Back Minzaal @ 3.8014/5

In a week where I have backed a few horses in the blue and white of Hamdan Al Maktoum, it was a real blow to see Sir Busker finish second again yesterday - behind one of said owner. It's been that sort of season following Sir Busker - who surely deserves a bit of luck in a race. That was my 23rd runner-up in the column this year, so we need to turn that corner.

We press on with Friday's selections, and Minzaal might be towards the top of the market at 11/4 for the Gimcrack, but he looked a complete natural when winning at Salisbury last time.

He's another from a good batch of horses for Owen Burrows this season, and he couldn't have been more impressive at that stiff track the way he breezed on the outside to fly past his rivals. He looks a fast horse with any amount of speed and he clearly bounced off the very quick ground at the Wiltshire venue.

The experience of his Ascot debut wasn't lost on him either.

His sire Mehmas is enjoying a brilliant campaign with 17 individual winners - including the classy pair Method and Supremacy.

Waliyak can make amends following two seconds

16:15 York - Back Waliyak @ 4.57/2

Roger Varian's Waliyak finished second for me at Royal Ascot in the Sandringham, but I am prepared to give her another chance for a good-looking fillies' handicap at 16:15.

The Ascot result was a frustrating one, as the race didn't pan out too well. She got too far back in what probably wasn't the ideal group near side, so it was understandable that she was stepped up in distance to 1m2f last time at Goodwood.

She was beaten into second again at the Sussex venue behind Chamade - who got first run that day. Waliyak meets her 5lb better off today and if she can cut out those keen-going tendencies. I think she can turn the tables as she is a smooth travelling sort.

She'll likely get a lead off front-running Chamade here - who could be used as back-to-lay trade.

And there's certainly a race in her from a mark of 90.