We kick off proceedings with an open looking five-furlong handicap (15:00) and although Windforpower possess the ability to win a race of this nature off his present mark, he's not the most straightforward and the more solid option looks to be Storm Lightning. He's run creditably to be placed on both starts so far this season, including when he wasn't beaten far at Brighton last time off just a 1 lb higher mark. A visor is applied for the first time today and if that brings about some improvement he looks to hold leading claims, and with handler Mark Brisbourne amongst the winners of late conditions looks to be at an optimum for the selection to return to the winners' enclosure.
It's a handicap over an extended mile next (16:00) and the vote goes to Baraweez whose having only his third start for new handler Brian Ellison. Prior to that he'd shown some fairly useful form in four runs for Freddie Head in France and got off the mark at just the second time of asking in Britain when landing a handicap at Ayr last month over a mile. Given how well Brian Ellison does with new recruits and the fact he's only been given a 3 lb rise for his latest success he looks to have an excellent chance to make it two wins from his last two starts and continue his progression in this sphere. Toto Skyllachy seems to like it here and is respected, as is recent Pontefract winner Correggio, but the selections should prove ahead of his current mark and can capitalise this afternoon.
The final bet of the day comes in a middle-distance handicap over a mile-and-a-half (17:35) and Sirpertan looks to have an excellent chance of following up his game win at Newcastle last time. He was well backed when upped in trip on his seasonal reappearance but his headgear came loose and he had to be pulled up, but more than put memories of that unfortunate incident behind him last time with a hardened display to beat Vosne Romanee by a head. Although he's been raised 6 lb for that victory such was the attitude he showed last time if he shows up in the same mood you doubt there will be a more game horse in the field. Aldreth is another who looks likely to improve and rates as the main danger but if it comes down to a battle then the selection should come out on top.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Beverley
Back Storm Lightning @ 4.216/5 in the 15:00
Back Baraweez @ 3.052/1 in the 16:00
Back Sirpertan @ 3.412/5 in the 17:35
