Sky Bet Strensall Stakes (Group 3)

Listed winner at Newmarket (7f, good) last May and kept on for good fourth in Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) last August; has run to form in AW handicap (fifth) and Pontefract Listed race (fourth) on first two starts for this yard (both 1m) but needs something extra.

Progressive in 1m handicaps, going close twice in a row at Ascot (including the Royal Hunt Cup) before winning the Clipper Handicap here (good to firm) on Thursday, doing it in good style having had to wait for a clear run; this would be a very quick turnaround but he has Group-race potential.

Beaten 15 times since last win in November 2023; however, he's shown some strong form this year and has posted lofty RPRs on his two previous runs at York, including when third at 33-1 in this race last season (good to firm); this isn't a strong Group 3; interesting contender back here.

Beaten in Group/Listed races on last seven starts, five of those defeats at 4-1 or shorter; however, he holds leading claims on last summer's Group-race form here and he was a close Listed third at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm) last time; this could be a good opportunity but he's been expensive to follow and the drop back in trip isn't an obvious plus.

Rediscovered his progressive ways over 1m at the Curragh this season, winning a handicap (held up) and following up in a Listed race (made all; again readily); it was his first run on slow ground when soundly beaten in the Golden Mile at Goodwood three weeks ago; could bounce back with bold show.