4.45pm York Tips & Betting Preview 23/07/2016

Our race preview takes a look at a hotly contest handicap at York that could turn into a thriller. See our betting tips below which picks apart this contest runner by runner –

IN SUMMARY: There are many of potential improvers in this race and it will be an intriguing contest. Sightline has been running well lately and is up 4lb for her last win which isn’t excessive. She might be vulnerable though to Colonial Classic and PLAYFUL SOUND, the latter of which who has a lot of room for improvement. She won her maiden well after staying on strongly towards the end. She has lots of potential and she may will improve past the more exposed types in this race to take victory for Sir Michael Stoute.

1 SIGHTLINE – Improving with each run, latest of which when winning at Chester by 1 length (10.5f, Good to Soft). Only raised 4lb for that which doesn’t seem harsh and she still has lots of room for improvement. Pat Smullen takes the ride and Beckett’s horses are in good nick, will go very well.

2 SIREN’S CAVE – Was well-held when returning at York latest (10.5f, Good) and that doesn’t bode too well. Most exposed in the field and will need to step up dramatically on that return effort, very vulnerable to the impovers, though.

3 COLONIAL CLASSIC – Very impressive when returning at Wolverhampton on the AW latest (9.5f, AW). Has potential in spades and is trained by John Gosden, so has very solid claims. Handicap mark doesn’t look like too much of a hardship either so plenty of positives.

4 PLAYFUL SOUND – Only once raced when winning by a neck at Salisbury (10f, Good). That was a good effort and battled on well towards the finish, judging by her pedigree there should be much more to come and comes from powerful connections. Will be dangerous if building upon that effort.

5 THE BEGUM – Easy winner of a poor, small field maiden at Ayr (10f, Good to Soft) and it doesn’t look like that form amounts to much. Obviously has more to come as that was only her 2nd start but needs a lot more today and is probably yards 2nd string.

6 MY LUCILLE – Going for the hat-trick after winning at Haydock (8f, Soft) and Hamilton (8.5f, Good to Soft) when front running her way to both victories previous. Most likely needs the ground to soften up and is up in the weights.

7 MIGHTY LADY – Progressive and could go well but was behind Sightline at Chester on latest start (10.5f, Good to Soft). Is low in the weights but doesn’t look like the most likely type to win this and is passed over.

8 ISLAND FLAME – Has won twice this year, but once again was behind Slightline at Chester on penultimate start (10.5f, Good to Soft). Finished 3rd at Doncaster on Thursday (10.5f, Good to Firm) and more is needed here.