Horse Racing Tips: Paddy Power’s epic Wednesday Cheat Sheet for day one at York

Kuwait City (each-way) slots in at the foot of the handicap and can pounce fast and late to grab some of the action.

Jockey Jamie Spencer’s style of riding is perfect for Equilateral who is a fiery customer. He drops to handicap company from Group races.

MANILA SCOUSE is much improved of late and while a mark of 86 could be a step too far I’ll take a chance after the lightly-raced sprinter’s two recent wins. 

INTRINSIC BOND went down only to a progressive 3-y-o at Ascot last time so the handicapper might have taken a chance leaving his mark unchanged and he’s selected to make it two from three since joining Michael Wigham. Korker, Jm Jungle and Manila Scouse head the many possible dangers.

There is a lot of pace in the higher draws so I’m with Ventura Express (each-way), who will hopefully be pulled along by the speed in front of him. 

Cogitate was a very good winner on debut 33 days ago and the Charlie Hills’ team have won this contest with Dutch Connection and Phoenix of Spain in the past.

Edwardian  looked very green and babyish when winning at Naas on soft ground. This 7f will suit and he should be finishing strongly.

COGITATE hacked up at Newbury on debut and while the form has not been boosted much by those closest to him he could do no more than win easily.

BALLYMOUNT BOY was never stronger than at the finish when a fine second behind subsequent Prix Morny winner Vandeek in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood 3 weeks ago. The step up to 7f should suit.

Charles Hills’ Cogitate appeals to me with William Buick on board. He impressed on his winning debut at Newbury last time out and he’s open to plenty of improvement.

Continuous was put in his place last time by the top-level performer King of Steel but could be a value option against the fav Gregory who drops down in distance.

This looks the perfect stepping stone for a St Leger bid by Gregory who won the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot. Artistic Star could run a big race at a nice price too.

The Group 2 Great Voltigeur is often seen as a St Leger trial and I’m happy to stick with the Queen’s Vase winner GREGORY for the Gosdens & Frankie Dettori.

The unbeaten GREGORY looks to hold serious claims of enhancing that record further before heading to Doncaster for a tilt at the St Leger next month. The main danger is likely to come from Castle Way.

Gregory was impressive at Ascot and he made all but today’s 12f trip could be on the sharp side for him. Castle Way has won his last two and could improve again. 

Paddington has had a remarkable season and is tactically versatile. He gets the 7lb weight-for-age allowance of main market rival Mostahdaf and that could prove crucial.

Paddington has had a tough season and it would be amazing if he could win again but Mostahdaf is a big, powerful colt who is best on a fast surface.

Only four runners are declared and it’s hard not to see PADDINGTON going to the front and making all for another victory. He came from off the pace to win the Eclipse at this trip but there are no other pacesetters in the field and he won from the front at Goodwood.

PADDINGTON can emulate the mighty Giant’s Causeway, who won this in 2000 after victory in the St James’s Palace, Eclipse and Sussex Stakes.

Paddington will make the running and should win. He never does too much in his races but has won seven on the spin. I hope he makes it eight.

Grappa Nonino is looking more like the finished article now and was a convincing winner last time in Ireland. The step-up to 2m should suit and Dermot Weld has a fine record when sending his runners to York.

Irish trainer Tony Martin has booked Ryan Moore to ride Zanndabad and that is telling. He’s improving and could develop into an Ebor eontender in a year’s time.

AZTEC EMPIRE (each-way) got decent ground at Newbury last time when a fine third behind Sweet William and Oisin Murphy is aboard now. He has a good draw from stall six and can hit the each-way places at least in a competitive looking contest.

ROBERT JOHNSON has thrived having rejoined the Philip Kirby yard this year, winning five times. His  latest success coming at this course and distance in July. He showed improved form in defeat at Goodwood earlier in the month and can regain the winning habit now.

Zanndabad is eye-catching especially with Ryan Moore on board but his compatriot Grappa Nonino is rated highly by Dermot Weld and it’s a bonus that Saffie Osborne is on board.