Tim Easterby took the Festival opener in 2010 with smart sprinter Hamish McGonagall and he can repeat the trick this year with See The Sun. This sturdy three-year-old has been in good form in 2014, and has twice run well on the Knavesmire. He showed blistering speed over six furlongs here last time, simply doing too much too soon against some well-treated older horses, and the drop back in trip to an extended five furlongs ought to be in his favour. It's a very competitive race of course, with last year's second Goldream chief among the dangers, however See The Sun could have more to give and rates as the selection.
The Great Voltigeur (15:05) should be a good opportunity for Epsom Derby second Kingston Hill to register a first win of the campaign as he sets a clear standard, topping Timeform's ratings by 10 lb. He got his Group 1 in the bag in last year's Racing Post Trophy and was the only horse to give Australia a race at Epsom. Though failing to make an impact in the Eclipse under a patient ride, he should appreciate the return to one and a half miles today and will enjoy the invaluable assistance of Ryan Moore. With these factors in his favour, he should see off Sir Michael Stoute's Snow Sky, who missed the Derby but has been making steady progress and remains unexposed at this trip. Most unexposed of all is Granddukeotuscany. He looked an exciting prospect when taking his maiden by 19 lengths at Tipperary at the end of June and could be anything, though he will need to step up significantly if he is to challenge Kingston Hill.
Tony Martin has proved yet again this season that he is a man to have on your side in a big handicap and sends the intriguing Spacious Sky to contest the two-miler at 16:20. This well-bred French import has mostly been campaigned over hurdles since joining the Meath trainer, but has run well in good company on four flat starts to suggest that he could well have a decent prize in him over two miles. With his mark looking workable and Kieren Fallon a notable jockey booking, he is our selection. Big Thunder also represents famously shrewd connections and his battling attitude should serve him well if he can manage to settle better than when last seen at Ascot.
Timeform UK Smartplays:
All at York
Back See The Sun in the 13:55 at York
Back Kingston Hill in the 15:05 at York
Back Spacious Sky win and place in the 16:20 at York
