Chester 14:05 - Back Rhoscolyn E/W @ 17/29.50
Veteran handicapper Rhoscolyn is at his best with a bit of dig in the ground and the late-summer rains that have arrived in the last few days appear to be right on cue for him to put up a bold showing in Chester's opening handicap on Saturday.
David O'Meara's likeable eight-year-old has form under quicker conditions too, but there's little doubt he handles some juice in the ground particularly well and he's also bagged the plum draw here in stall one.
The selection has yet to fully fire this season, but with autumn just around the corner - indeed this week has felt particularly autumnal in the north - Rhoscolyn could be set for a really good time of things over the next few months or so.
The winner of last season's Golden Mile at Goodwood off a mark of 96, he now gets to race off just 87, and that's a mark he hasn't seen for a number of years.
There are a few less-exposed, younger rivals up against him, but with a great draw and conditions to suit, Rhoscolyn looks cracking each-way value at 17/29.50.
Back Rhoscolyn E/W in 14:05 Chester
Notable winners from Mark in recent weeks
Item @ 7/1
Edward Sexton @ 7/2
Archers Bay @ 11/4
Influencer Man @ 11/4
Asia Force @ 5/2
Quest For Stars @ 5/2
Haffner @ 6/4
Melrose Handicap, York, 14:25 - Back Limestone @ 5/16.00
The Melrose nearly always throws up some classy future stayers and this year's renewal looks sure to prove no exception, and it would no surprise were there a few future staying Group-race winners lurking in it.
One who has already won at Group 2 level and now takes a class drop is Joseph O'Brien's Limestone, who took the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot back in June. The son of New Bay was completing a four-timer in that event, and he had subsequent Bahrain Trophy winner Point Of Law behind him that day, giving the form a really solid look.
On the back of that, Limestone was given a shot at the top level last time in the Grand Prix de Paris, but cut little ice that day, though that form does looks very strong with the winner Maltese Cross following up in the Great Voltigeur at York earlier this week.
The selection clearly commands plenty of respect dropped into his first handicap and, though he faces no easy task under 9 st 9lb, Tarriance proved in this race last year that that sort of weight can be carried to victory.
Joseph O'Brien has carried all before him in the big festivals so far this year and I'm hopeful Limestone can provide the stable with another big-race winner.
Back Limestone to win 14:25 York
Ebor Handicap, York, 15:35 - Back Klassleader E/W @ 7/18.00
I was with Klassleader in the Old Newton Cup at Newmarket last time and there's no doubt he proved disappointing, but I think it's worth forgiving him that effort as he was tackling the fastest ground he's faced to date and may not have been entirely at home on it.
I suspect the William Haggas-trained four-year-old is much better judged on his win over 1m 4f at this course in May and he went straight into my Ebor notebook on the back of that.
The selection impressed with the way he picked up that day in a race that trainer has used frequently with some of his better handicappers down the years, running out a ready winner from Sing Us A Song.
On the back of that, I was all over Klassleader in that aforementioned Newmarket race last time, but I'm prepared to strike a line through that and conditions on the Knavesmire on Saturday should be much more up his street.
Obviously, this being the Ebor, it's going to take some winning and there are dangers lurking around every turn, so the smart play looks to be backing Klassleader E/W at 7/18.00, as we have the insurance of six places on the Betfair Sportsbook.
Back Klassleader E/W in 15:35 York