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16:00 Thirsk
Rathbone is a two-time course and distance winner, with one of those victories coming in this race last season, so would have to be considered off a 1lbs lower mark in his bid to follow up despite disappointing at Hamilton last time out.
Pendleton ran a cracker for third at York in early May but then ran flat at the same venue eleven days later. His turf victories have come on soft ground but that York third showed he is also capable on faster ground and despite carrying top-weight he could have a say now dropped in class and fitted with a first-time visor.
Aplomb was beaten just a neck last time out and the third that day, who was over two lengths behind, won next time out. All career wins have come over this trip but on good-to-soft or soft ground so any rain arriving would help his cause.
Cairn Gorm hasn’t won since notching a hat-trick in his first three career runs, however has been competing at a higher level including a couple of Group races since. He looked in need of the run on first outing for his new trainer at Windsor earlier in the month but has dropped to a tempting mark and as such could be primed to strike.
CAIRN GORM (WIN)
18:50 Bath
Just the four runners line up for this Class 3 handicap but nevertheless it promises to be an intriguing affair with both Colour Image and Sheer Rocks prior course and distance winners. The former won here in September 2020, his only career victory to date, and although arrives here with his stable in good form he has only beaten one rival home in his last three races so it is the latter who is preferred today. Eve Johnson-Houghton’s runner contested a Listed contest on return to action this season and was last seen finishing just two lengths behind the winner when fifth of seven at Sandown at the beginning of the month. That was a Class 2 race so he’s dropping down a grade here, having also been eased 2lbs by the handicapper, and returns to the scene of his last career victory.
Lyndon B finished behind our selection last time out and I see no reason for that form to be reversed, while Eton College is more than capable on his day, but has done all his winning over shorter trips than he encounters today.
SHEER ROCKS (WIN) written by Dean Kilbryde