Keith Melrose explains how the draw could help solve York's Dash Handicap puzzle

Saturday: 2.40 York
Sky Bet Dash Handicap | Class 2 | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

It is notable that the two most likely pace-setters in this big-field sprint handicap are drawn high in the stalls nearest to the stands' rail. It is of even more significance once you realise that the ante-post market principals are mostly drawn on the other side.

Ghanthanfar has been one of the most progressive sprinters around this summer, his performances generally marked by bright speed – a weapon that he neutralised himself last time by missing the break. Hyperfocus's win at Haydock last time was an old fashioned nab-the-rail-and-don't-look-back job. They are drawn 15 and 14 here in a 15-runner field.

Low-drawn sorts like Silver Samurai, Mondammej and Nationwide have no bankable pace to track. Atomic Lady is an occasional front-runner, particularly here, while Gale Force Maya and Aberama Gold tend to race prominently without necessarily blasting off.

This pace scenario leads me to think that it might be worth looking for value among the higher stalls. One who catches the eye is Nomadic Empire. He shaped well on his reappearance in April, on the strength of which he was sent off favourite for a course-and-distance race at the Dante meeting. There have been excuses on all four starts since, including a rough trip from the worst stall at Ascot last time.

Nomadic Empire could be called a York horse. He improved last autumn in two course-and-distance runs in Class 2 company, winning in September and finishing fourth in October. He is now 5lb lower than for that last run and, from stall 11, looks to have a better pace set-up than on his recent starts and a more favourable one than many of the early market leaders.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

'A strong pace will play into his hands'

Marco Botti is hoping Silver Samurai can bounce back to winning ways and believes the pace of the race should be an advantage.

The five-year-old has not featured since finishing 11th behind Rohaan in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot but Botti found plenty of positives from the run.

"He ran a very respectable race at Royal Ascot despite on the day being drawn on the wrong side of the track," he said.

"He had a low draw and it turned out to be a disadvantage because the pace came on the other side and things didn’t pan out the way we wanted it too, but six furlongs is his best trip so he should be there or thereabouts."

Marco Botti: trainer of leading contender Silver SamuraiCredit: Chris Bourchier

Silver Samurai finished second to Challet on his last start at York in September and track conditions could once again be critical.

"I think the ground should be fine because although there have been some showers, it shouldn’t change too much," Botti added.

"He's a horse where a strong pace will play into his hands. Usually at York they go at a good pace and he ran well there last year, so I am looking forward to seeing him in action.

"We could have done with a better draw, but you never know because he's a hold-up horse and will probably drop in and challenge late."

What they say

Michael Dods, trainer of Gale Force Maya
She likes York and she's run well there before. She had a tough race last time when third and we were keen to head back to the track once again. It looks like a very competitive race and although she had a couple of races where she didn't run well, she's improved throughout the season.

John Butler, trainer of Nationwide
He's had one run on the grass and that was at Haydock where he ran a respectable race. He's definitely a few pounds better off against some of his rivals and he's in really good nick. His draw in stall five helps and we’re expecting a big run. The weight difference is big and we’ll meet Silver Samurai on better terms. I think our lad has gained experience from his last run and I think the flat track with a lot of pace will certainly suit him.

Tim Easterby, trainer of Hyperfocus, Music Society, Kind Review and Atomic Lady
Hyperfocus is in good form and ideally he would like a bit of juice in the ground, but he goes on fast ground. He likes the track and he should run well. Music Society is in good form and he ran well at Hamilton even though he was denied, but he's in good order. Kind Review ran over the all-weather at Newcastle and he didn’t seem to fire on that surface. Atomic Lady likes a bit of give in the ground, but he seems well and likes the track.

Richard Spencer, trainer of Lucky Man
His run at York was good, but he disappointed us at Ascot and hopefully we can put that run behind us. We've put cheekpieces on to try and aid the jockey so the horse can travel through the race better and it is going to be a very competitive race. He's usually an uncomplicated ride so hopefully he'll run well.
Reporting by Liam Headd

Read Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Ascot: 'There’s no such thing as a penalty kick' - Lezoo camp wary of unexposed rivals

2.05 York: Can Harry Cobden grab the bragging rights in jump jockeys' Nunthorpe?

3.00 Ascot: 'He's improving and has a definite chance' - key insight for big-field handicap

3.15 York: Will Claymore prove his class for Jane CHapple-Hyam and down Dubai Honour?

3.35 Ascot: King George insight as Westover and Emily Upjohn face top-class rivals

King George analysis: Why the older horses have been underestimated against their younger opponents (£)

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