3.55pm York Tips & Betting Preview 13/10/2017

3.55pm York tips for Friday’s Class 2 race. The second and final race of the day at York is another handicap contest, with thirteen going to post for this competitive contest. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: Gold Star looks to be a smart horse in the making and won’t be far away here as he bids for a hat-trick, preference though is for THE GRAND VISIR. He arrives here on the back of a fifth in the Melrose Handicap over course and distance, not beaten far and the handicapper hasn’t changed his mark. This looks an easier contest and he should have no problem gaining another victory for William Haggas.

1 FACE THE FACTS – Loved the step up to two miles when storming home to win a Listed race at Newmarket in September, returning to handicaps off eleven pounds higher. He looks up against it here down in trip, conceding so much weight to promising horses.

2 GOLD STAR – Progressive sort for Saeed bin Suroor who made it two from two since debut when scoring at Wolverhampton easily. He’s now up thirteen pounds but he looks smart and will suit this step up in trip. Leading contender with David Egan claiming three.

3 JOSHUA REYNOLDS – Won two of his three handicap starts, failing in his hat-trick bid when last seen at Haydock in softer ground. A bounce back on better ground couldn’t be discounted and he’s another to consider.

4 DOMINATING – Five wins from seventeen starts, taking the latest of those at Ascot seven days ago. That was over two miles though and he has plenty to do upped in grade under a penalty. Each way claims but looks vulnerable for win purposes.

5 BRIMHAM ROCKS – Has been progressive at the 1m 4f trip for Ralph Beckett, finishing second to a massive improver at Hamilton in August. He’s two pounds higher and will appreciate the cut in the ground, so is a solid each way player upped in grade.

6 THE GRAND VISIR – Slowly progressive for Willie Haggas, winning a handicap two starts ago before a fifth over course and distance in the Melrose Handicap. He’s on the same mark here and in a slightly easier race, with conditions to suit. Silvestre De Sousa takes over and he looks tough to beat.

7 PERCY’S WORD – Two wins from three starts, winning a two mile handicap at Kempton when last seen. He’s five pounds higher and down in trip which is a concern, with it all to prove on the turf. Others are far less risky and he’s best watched here.

8 STAR OF EAST – Running solidly well this season and he returned to winning ways with a gutsy win at Haydock last month. He’s now three pounds higher but that latest performance was taking as he beat a progressive sort and he’s best watched.

9 STAR ROCK – Has won his last two starts for Hughie Morrison, winning convincingly at Newmarket when last seen. He’s up five pounds at the weights but there is likely far more to come and he’s an each way contender.

10 BOLDER BOB – Won his last two starts at the 1m 4f distance by a wide margin, four lengths clear at Beverley last time. That said, he’s now upped in grade and has a seven pound rise to cope with, which may well halt his progress for now.

11 JE SUIS CHARLIE – Won in good style at Catterick in August ahead of a subsequent winner and he wasn’t beaten far when second in this grade last time out. He’s only up a pound but this is a much deeper race and he may just miss out here with his stamina to prove.

12 FOOLS AND KINGS – Only needed hands and heels riding to win at Chepstow on his latest start in a Class 4 handicap, now raised five pounds. More is clearly needed but he’s unexposed and Hollie Doyle takes off three pounds. Each way claims but looks vulnerable for win purposes.

13 COUNT SIMON – Another last time out winner, gliding through the mud to make all at Haydock last month. He should stay this extra distance but he’s have wanted more rain here and won’t be getting a soft lead, so his chances aren’t obvious.