All-weather specialist NIGHT RAIDER - who is four from four on synthetic surfaces - is given another chance on turf. A blistering winner of a Listed event when last seen, he possesses a devastating turn of foot, which could mean he skips clear of his rivals on this fast ground.

York should play to his strengths and he could easily be hard to catch, if on his A-game first-time-out.

Despite a high draw here, FRIO created such a strong impression debuting at Musselburgh, that he is taken to go close second-time-out. He was slowly away and looked clueless early on in the race, before consenting to run on powerfully late in the piece.

He cost 140,000GBP as a yearling and clearly has plenty of ability. The second has since won a Redcar maiden to give the form a bit of substance, too.

The well-supported MARHABA THE CHAMP is hard to oppose in York’s Dante meeting opener. The son of Galileo scored on both visits to this course last season and arrives on a good mark - 5lb lower than when last successful.

He could easily improve switching back to this venue, coupled with an improved run second-time-out, raised in distance. Cheekpieces are enlisted, too, which may prove to be a further catalyst for improvement.

Course winner BERGERAC offers each-way claims, following a pair of modest all-weather efforts this term. An improved effort is likely as he lurks on an attractive handicap mark of 88 - the same number as when successful at Newcastle last campaign.

Quick ground is important and he has conditions firmly in his favour, aiming to progress from last season’s sixth in this race (3lb lower this year).

RARE CHANGE is a rock-solid each-way player for trainer Richard Hughes. Gelded prior to a clearcut first success, in a Windsor handicap on reappearance, he could follow up with confidence high.

Despite being raised 8lb for that first win, it would be a surprise if there was not more to come, especially under optimum conditions.

MASEKELA is given an each-way chance at big double-figure odds for trainer Tim Easterby and jockey James Sullivan. He was officially rated 107 after a Listed win in 2021 and now races from a lowly mark of 70.

The regression has been stark but there have been glimpses of ability since, including a fifth of six at this venue last term. Beaten five lengths, he looked like needing the extra 1f distance he has to aim at here, and he is in a lower grade now. He’s worth risking at fair odds.