Today's Racing Tips: Count on Cristo to hand Hannon further success

York, 17.32 - Back Alpha Capture each-way @ 4/15.00

1 (9)

Alpha Capture (Ire)

• J: Kevin Stott
• T: Roger Fell
• F: 54-336212

• SBK 4/1
• EXC 3.7

Quite how Alpha Capture didn't manage to supplement June's Doncaster victory back at Town Moor a fortnight ago is still unanswered, however he could gain compensation is this well-contested handicap.

Admittedly, an 18-runner York handicap takes some winning, but the Cotai Glory gelding has the components required if he can replicate his strong-travelling victory of two starts ago.

He again travelled like a dream last time, before finding the three-year-old Return Of The Gods too strong in the dying stages, but that performance was still rated his best by the figures gurus since joining trainer Roger Fell and he clearly remains in great nick at present.

The selection has been inched up another 3lb for that performance but, because this race hasn't filled to a maximum field of 22, he can still contest this Class 4 handicap where the prospect of a true gallop should suit ideally.  

Sandown, 19.30 - Back Cristo @ SP

2 (5)

Cristo

• J: Sean Levey
• T: Richard Hannon
• F: 7832U712

• EXC 1.1

Richard Hannon has bagged this handicap twice in recent renewals and Cristo should make a bold bid to bring up the hat-trick.

The son of Havana Grey can be somewhat of a tricky ride, as was again displayed at Windsor when he carried his head awkwardly under pressure, but he certainly knuckled down to the task over course and distance earlier this month to see off Thursday Girl by a head.

She has since gone on to take a Nottingham novice, while there has also been success for fourth-home Silca Bay who was a winner for this column at Newmarket on Saturday.

Those victories are welcome endorsements for the form and Cristo should relish the return to conditions which suit so well, while he is also officially 2lb well in with his mark due to rise to 81 next time he is in action.

Now read more horse racing columns here