Graeme Rodway's play of the day at York

Marhaba The Champ

2.15 York

Wednesday's better bets on ITV start in the opening 1m4f handicap (2.15).

Kevin Ryan came close to winning this in 2021 when Throne Hall finished third and he also saddled Forza Orta to take second two years ago. He looks to have an even better contender this year in the shape of Marhaba The Champ and the five-year-old can make it 3-3 at York.

Marhaba The Champ was no stronger than at the line when beating the classy pair Marie’s Diamond and Spirit Dancer over 1m2½f at this meeting last season and returned here in August to win over course and distance, tidily beating recent Newmarket winner Bague D’Or.

The son of Galileo had been beaten more than nine lengths in two starts away from this track in between those two wins and was again way below par when last of nine at Newmarket in September. But he has been gelded since and won first time out last year, so goes well fresh.