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

Saturday: 2.05 York
Sky Bet "Jump Jockeys' Nunthorpe" Handicap | 5f | 4yo+ | ITV

Michael Bell is full of confidence ahead of the 5f handicap for jump jockeys as Harry Cobden takes the ride on his leading contender Stone Circle.

The trainer will attempt to complete a hat-trick with his five-year-old, following successful visits to Chepstow and Nottingham, and he has been boosted following a glowing reference from the jockey.

"Harry rode him the other day and said he's never been this fast in his life so we're looking forward to it," said Bell. "It was the plan to come to York after he won his last race at Nottingham and he's been freshened up since".

Stone Circle, who is a general 7-1 shot, has maintained an unbeaten record since dropping to the minimum distance.

Bell said: "He seems to have turned a corner since we dropped him to five furlongs and on his old form he is still very well handicapped.

"He's got quicker as he's got older and admittedly they weren't the strongest races that he won, but he beat horses in good form.

"He's drawn 20 and I would rather be drawn high than low. I think it will make things easier for him because he has a rail to run against."

What they say

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Eeh Bah Gum
He’s bounced back to form this summer and loves York. He finished a good second there last time to a horse who was on a roll at the time [Ghathanfar], and this looks an obvious race for him. I think he’s got a good chance.

Jim Goldie, trainer of Primo’s Comet
He ran well last time when he won at Musselburgh and we have a good jockey in Sean [Quinlan] so it will be interesting. We have never run him over five furlongs at York so we're hoping for a big race. It’s a reasonable draw in stall seven, the horse is in good form and because it’s for jump jockeys it makes it interesting.

Primo's Comet: a winner at Musselburgh under Paul MulrennanCredit: Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Mick Appleby, trainer of Val De Travers
He's in good order and ran well up at Musselburgh last time. This race is going to be a bit better and he's stepping up in class so hopefully has a good chance. We can put a line through the Windsor run when he finished eighth because the heavy ground was absolutely desperate. The draw shouldn’t make too much difference and it all depends on which side the pace is on.

Paul Midgley, trainer of Van Gerwen, Nibras Again, Leodis Dream, Indian Sounds and Birkenhead
I stopped predicting what Van Gerwen could do a long time ago because he does his own thing. He ran well last time and is in good form so if he fancies it then he'll be there. Nibras Again ran well on his first start this season, but he's been disappointing since. He has become very well handicapped so hopefully he can bounce back. Leodis Dream has got better and is probably our best chance. Indian Sounds has been underperforming, but is drawn in stall 17 and that's where he needs to be. Birkenhead has been great and the fast ground with a sharp 5f is everything he wants.

Read Saturday's race previews:

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

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

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 (£)

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.