York's 13:50 is a fascinating handicap with several progressive sorts in opposition, and arguably of most interest is John Gosden's Seek Again who was last seen when finishing fifth in the Cambridgeshire. Although he didn't really have any excuses in that race the overriding impression is that he would find such a competitive scenario aiding his future development as he is still relatively unexposed and most certainly remains open to further improvement. He is very much the type to bag a handicap of this ilk at some stage and it is hoped that he can do so here.
Connections of Domination have had the Cesarewitch in mind for some time so he has to be respected, as do both Tiger Cliff and Pallasator, but preference is for French raider Smoky Hill, trained by Mikel Delzangles. The four-year-old produced a career-best at Longchamp last month, finishing fourth in the Group 3 Prix Gladiateur, and a BHA mark of 91 could underestimate his true ability based on that. The extra two furlongs faced here should suit, as will the likely strong gallop, so he is fancied to go well.
Newmarket's final race, the Group 3 Darley Stakes due off at 17:25, is a pretty strong event with Afonso de Sousa and German raider Feuerblitz just two of the many worthy of consideration, but we shall side with Short Squeeze, who has made rapid progress up the handicap ladder of late and seems sure to go well at this higher level. The Hugo Palmer-trained three-year-old displayed an impressive turn of foot to storm away from his rivals at Haydock last time to land the hat-trick and there is nothing to suggest that his upward curve is going to end any time soon.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Seek Again in the 13:50 at York
Back Smoky Hill in the 15:50 at Newmarket
Back Short Squeeze in the 17:25 at Newmarket
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