Coral 'Pipped At The Post' Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Front-runner who won at Chester (1m2f, good) in July and returned to form when third of five in Listed race there (1m4f, good to soft) last month; he's saved his best for Chester this season but has shown promise at York in the past and the drop back in trip is a likely plus; can make a bold bid.

All of his wins have come over 1m4f or further and the last time he tackled this trip he was soundly beaten over C&D in last year's John Smith's Cup; however, York brings out the best in this 8yo, who ran well when eighth in the Ebor here last time, and he's not ruled out at his favourite venue.

Won at Kempton (1m3f, AW) in March and he's feasibly treated on that form; didn't run badly at Royal Ascot in June but below par at Beverley the following month and he's now 1-19 on turf as opposed to 4-10 on AW.

Won at Ayr (1m5f, good) in June and has run really well in defeat over 1m4f (good to firm) on his last two starts, most recently beaten a neck here; this progressive 5yo could give another good account although the drop back in trip may well prove to be a negative.

Runner-up in Group races earlier in career and shaped well in C&D handicaps this summer following an absence, faring best of the hold-up horses when fourth in the John Smith's Cup on the first occasion; kept on for fourth and led home the near-side group in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket (1m1f, good to firm) a fortnight ago; could play a leading role now back up in trip.