Mis Chicaf, who last month became one of the easiest winners of a sprint handicap seen at York in recent seasons, returns to Knavesmire tomorrow and goes for the jackpot prize on Timeform Charity Day.
The £75,000 William Hill Trophy is the target for John Wainwright's flying filly, who is fancied to oblige again, despite having 19 rivals - and the handicapper to overcome.
Mis Chicaf is now running off a stone higher mark than when winning by seven lengths, easing-down, on her latest visit to York, a victory which came hard on the heels of a Doncaster victory.
A progressive performer, and considered by Wainwright to be the best sprinter he has has trained, Mis Chicaf, ridden by Kieren Fallon in her latest success, will be reunited tomorrow with Robert Winston, who partnered her at Doncaster.
Some punters may be put off by the fact that she is drawn one in this big field, but, although high numbers have had the edge in this race in recent years, Artie did win from the same stall two years ago.
Tim Easterby, trainer of Artie, again won the prize 12 months ago, courtesy of Dazzling Bay and he now saddles Times Review, a Leicester winner last week, as he bids for a notable hat-trick.
Wanchai Lad, representing sprint specialist David Nicholls, is another to consider, along with recent Haydock winner Traytonic, but I fancy Mis Chicaf to fulfill her potential by notching her second Knavesmire victory. Just don't expect a seven-lengths margin this time!
Mick Easterby won the Queen Mother's Cup a year ago with Sporting Gesture and I think the Sheriff Hutton trainer can land this lady amateur riders' event again with the same horse.
Two creditable efforts this season should have put Sporting Gesture spot-on for this £15,000 contest and Serena Brotherton, who was in the saddle 12 months ago, takes the mount on my Nap selection.
Malton handler Richard Fahey has good prospects with Definite Guest in the Cadogan Silver Salver Handicap.
This course winner made a bright start to the season when finishing third at Epsom's Derby meeting last week.
Kieren Fallon and Sir Michael Stoute, the Derby-winning combination, can take the Daniel Prenn Royal Yorkshire Rated Handicap with Motive.
Although not in the same league as Derby winner North Light, Motive won nicely at Windsor last time and looks to to be a horse with a rosy future.
Venetian King, trained by Howard Johnson, is reputed to be pretty smart and is a newcomer worth noting in the Leonard Sainer Maiden Stakes.
Winthorpe, trained by John Quinn, looks to be returning to form at the right time for the Charles Henry Memorial Handicap.
Saturday's tips:
York
1.50 Definite Guest, 2.20 Sporting Gesture (Nap), 2.50 Motive, 3.25 Mis Chicaf, 4.00 Venetian King, 4.35 Winthorpe, 5.05 Binary Vision.
Sandown
1.00 Woody Valentine, 1.35 Into The Dark, 2.10 Baron Rhodes, 2.40 Melrose Avenue, 3.15 Borrego, 3.50 Enchantment, 4.25 Cantrip,
Tomorrow's other meetings are at Bath (afternoon, Flat), Hexham (afternoon, National Hunt), Leicester (evening, Flat) and Lingfield (evening, Flat).
Updated: 12:15 Friday, June 11, 2004
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