Look for Twilight Romance at York as Royal Ascot looms on racing horizon

The imminence of Royal Ascot inevitably means that the weekend racing is a little short on quality, but the sprint handicap for three-year-olds at York on Saturday is generally one of the most competitive events of its type all year and the latest renewal looks up to scratch with the bookies going 7-1 the field in the early betting.

William Haggas’s Elmonjed is the narrow favourite despite having finished only sixth when 6-4 favourite for his handicap debut over seven furlongs at York’s Dante meeting last month, and his trainer’s fine record at the Knavesmire means that his runners always deserve maximum respect.

He did not look like an obvious candidate for a drop back in trip, however, and while Ziggy’s Condor, who was just touched off in the same contest, is another with strong claims, the most eye-catching piece of form given the likely prices is arguably the maiden won by Twilight Romance (3.35) over track and trip on this card 12 months ago.

John and Sean Quinn’s runner posted a very strong time when finishing nearly three lengths clear of his field, and while he has failed to reach that level in four subsequent starts, he looked to be on the way back when finishing second at Southwell last time out. This race may well have been his target ever since his victory last year and at around 16-1, he is definitely the pick of the prices.

York 1.50: Whimsy finished well after being forced to switch over a shorter trip at Gowran Park last time and will appreciate this return to 12 furlongs.

Sandown 2.05: It is a little surprising that Dancing Magic remains a maiden after 13 starts but he has shown more than enough to win off this mark of 95 on several occasions in the past and Oisin Murphy could well be the jockey to finally get him home in front.

Sandown: 1.30 Mr Monaco, 2.05 Dancing Magic, 2.40 No Half Measures (nb), 3.15 Jarraaf, 3.50 Desperate Dan, 4.25 Get The Music On, 5.00 Duke Of Verona.

Chester: 1.35 Asktheboss, 2.10 Reigning Profit, 2.45 Hosanna Power, 3.20 Blue Prince, 3.55 Rich Belief, 4.30 Slainte Mhath, 5.04 Time Tells All, 5.35 She’s A Novelty.

Bath: 1.45 John Betjeman, 2.20 Kalahari Blue, 2.55 Capo Vaticano, 3.30 Suanni, 4.05 Organic, 4.40 Blenheim Star, 5.15 Marchetti.

York: 1.50 Whimsy, 2.25 Yanifer, 3.00 Relentless Voyager, 3.35 Twilight Romance (nap), 4.10 Tiger Mask, 4.45 Hale End, 5.20 Tiriac.

Hexham: 4.17 Byron Hill, 4.52 Divas Doyen, 5.27 Ribeye, 6.00 If You Let Me, 6.30 Well Educated,  7.00 Minniemum.

Uttoxeter: 5.07 Hard As Nails, 5.40 Valsad, 6.10 We Gotta Getaway, 6.40 Unwanted Attention, 7.10 Oneforthefairgreen, 7.45 Rajjamataz, 8.15 Ubetya, 8.45 O’Grady’s Hill.

Leicester: 5.17 Chesneys Charm, 5.48 Fearless Freddy, 6.18 Giselles Defence, 6.53 Three Dons, 7.25 Stash The Cash, 8.00 Blue Collar Lad, 8.30 Voltaic, 9.00 Indivar.

York 2.25: Harriet Bethell’s Yanifer has had very little racing since winning over track and trip in October 2022 but appeared to retain all his old ability when third at Chester last time and remains on a fair mark.

Sandown 2.40: No Half Measures did not see a track at two but has made rapid progress this year and took her form to a new level on her turf debut in a handicap at Goodwood in May. She accelerated nearly four lengths clear of her field in a strong time and with further improvement likely, an early price of around 5-1 looks very generous.

Sandown: 1.30 Rajeteriat, 2.05 Jenever, 2.40 Attack, 3.15 Gallant Lion, 3.50 Games People Play (nap), 4.25 Divine Breath, 5.00 Allonsy.

Chester: 1.40 Spioradalta, 2.15 Quiet Resolve, 2.50 Dukes Of Haather, 3.25 Amancio (nb), 4.00 Khathak, 4.35 Star Shield, 5.10 Bulmer Bank.

York: 1.50 Gincident, 2.25 I Love Dad, 3.00 Alfa Kellenic, 3.35 Baileys Jubilation, 4.10 Machete, 4.45 Arctic Mountain.

Market Rasen: 5.15 Finn Lough, 5.50 Kaaress, 6.25 Leading Force, 7.00 Ittack Blue, 7.35 Great Samourai, 8.05 Fantomas.

Goodwood: 5.30 Lightning Force, 6.05 Geliceaux, 6.40 Clan Chieftain, 7.15 Lyraisa, 7.50 Enchanting, 8.20 Dreamrocker.

Newton Abbot: 5.35 Seeyouinmydreams, 6.10 Sacre Coeur, 6.45 Mermaids Cave, 7.20 Langley Hundred, 7.55 Grove Road, 8.25 Getmetothemoon, 9.00 Delta Force.

York 3.00: The progressive Relentless Voyager stepped up on a promising reappearance to record a decisive success in a useful time at Epsom a fortnight ago and looks ready to take this step up to Listed company in his stride.

Chester 3.20: With several obvious form picks drawn high, the consistent Blue Prince could be worth a small interest from stall four.