3:35PM - York

The Charlie Appleby-trained LAZULI looks overpriced to play a hand in the finish for the feature contest on day three of York’s Ebor meeting – the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes over 5f. He progressed on a quiet reappearance run with a solid fourth in the G2 King George Stakes at Goodwood, finishing less than two lengths behind both Khaadem and Raasel, who reoppose here. Giving 3lb to those rivals that day, he should be able to reverse form these rivals from level weights on this occasion and appears a value each-way contender at attractive odds. The unbeaten Royal Aclaim could have further improvement after three devastating winning efforts and is most feared from those at the head of the market, ahead of Flotus and Winter Power.

Our expert has picked out the following bets for the 3:35PM at York👇🏼

3:35PM - York

One of the top staying handicaps in the calendar, with this season’s affair dominated by Irish trained horses, including EVER PRESENT who bids to give the Irish a fifth winner in the previous nine years. Jessica Harrington’s lightly raced six-year-old has been kept fresh for this target since a fourth on reappearance in a Down Royal Listed contest. His handicap win at Leopardstown at the back end of last season is working out superbly, with no less than nine future scorers, including Group Two winner Layfayette and Shoshone Warrior (who defeated Okita Soushi by 10 lengths last time, yet is currently a shorter price than the selection). He should appreciate the firm ground, with a big field likely to play to his strengths, and tick plenty of boxes for a strong chance of landing this prestigious prize.

Our expert has picked out the following bets for the 3:35PM at York 👇🏼

2:40PM - Sandown

DEFENCE OF FORT created a strong impression when making a winning debut despite showing signs of greenness at Ascot over 7f. The sizeable son of Starspangledbanner picked up well on the stands’ rail once asked for maximum effort before unleashing a telling turn of foot to put the race to bed in a matter of strides. His dam is a half-sister to a 1m4f Listed winner which bodes well for this second assignment with a testing stretch to the line here. With any improvement he could cause a minor upset against his more fancied rivals in the betting with more eye catching connections.

Our expert has picked out the following bet for the 2:40PM at Sandown 👇🏼

3:25PM -Deauville

An impressive winner second time out at Goodwood, Richard Hughes’ representative is a speedily bred daughter of Oasis Dream, who is expected to take this class rise in her stride. She takes on plenty of strong challengers including the Aidan O’Brien-trained Never Ending Story, who won a Group Three last time. The selection has a Group One entry later in the season which bolsters confidence.

Our expert has picked out the following bet for the 2:40PM at Sandown 👇🏼