Saturday Racing Tips: Timeform's three to back including a big call at York

15:35, York - 'Horse In Focus' looks on a fair mark

18 (4)

Thunder Call

• J: Zac Lloyd
• T: William Haggas
• F: 02-1

• SBK 4/1
• EXC 6.6

This six-furlong contest for three-year-olds has been won by some smart sorts in the past including Twilight Son (2015), Mr Lupton (2016) and Quinault (2023).  

William Haggas hasn't won it since Sholaan scored by five lengths in 2012, but he looks to have a leading contender this year with 'Horse In Focus' Thunder Call who tops Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings following a ready reappearance Kempton win. 

He travelled strongly and quickly quickened clear that day in a manner that suggested better is still to come, and the booking of young Australian jockey Zac Lloyd, who won the Golden Slipper in March, is a positive for the horse's handicap debut.

17:07, Sandown - Step back up in trip to suit

6 (2)

Double Meaning

• J: Tom Marquand
• T: John Berry
• F: 9511245-3

• SBK 9/4
• EXC 3.25

A case can be made for a few of these, but Double Meaning teed himself up well for a profitable 2026 with a promising reappearance third at Newmarket so looks the way to go.

The John Berry-trained caught the eye of the Timeform race reporters when finishing well from off the pace that day, shuffled back before the sprint for home began, and this strong stayer should relish the step back up in trip today.

Tom Marquand takes the ride for the first time which looks significant; he has only ridden five times for the yard, which includes a win, a third and a fourth.

17:12 Chester - Return to 0-80 key for Spirit Of Acklam

1 (8)

Spirit Of Acklam

• J: Billy Garritty
• T: Michael & David Easterby
• F: 0353/010-5

• SBK 5/1
• EXC 4.5

Top-weight Spirit Of Acklam should be able to cope with this step back up in trip given the speed-favouring nature of Chester and can capitalise on the drop into 0-80 company after an encouraging reappearance.  

The Michael & David Easterby-trained 'Horse In Focus' won second time out in this grade last season and looks to have the required stamina for this longer trip given how well he saw out his race when winning at Ayr last April. 

Wiltshire Wonder, Oman, Shipshape and Havachoc should all help force a strong pace which could suit a closer like Spirit Of Acklam.

Now read our Royal Ascot Mega Guide