Balding set for more glory with Ghyll

Holbeck Ghyll struck gold on Derby day at Epsom and further high-profile success awaits in the Cisco Hong Kong Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

This five-furlong heat has attracted its usual competitive line-up but Andrew Balding’s six-year-old looks a sound contender following his “Dash” win on the Downs.

Holbeck Ghyll has been steadily creeping up the ratings this season and currently sits on a career-high mark of 90 but his half-length verdict at Epsom offers much encouragement.

He was just 5lb lower that day and given that Balding’s yard is in excellent form at present, Holbeck Ghyll merits maximum respect.

William Haggas’ Kaateb was given a positive front-running ride when landing a handicap at Sandown last time and he can go in again in the Sodexo Classified Stakes.

Richard Hills dictated the pace at the Esher venue as Kaateb never saw another rival and won with a little bit still in the tank.

Although Kaateb is now five, he has not seen much racing and could still be on the upgrade.

Richard Hannon decided to bypass a trip to York with Redolent in favour of the Listed Pomfret Stakes at Pontefract and that decision can pay off.

He shaped well when only beaten a length into second in a Group Three in Germany last time out and can take full advantage of this slight drop in class.

Signor Peltro looks a solid bet to land the Skybet Supporting The Yorkshire Racing Festival Handicap.

Henry Candy’s consistent five-year-old shaped encouragingly last time out when third in a similar handicap at Chepstow on soft ground.

Although he can handle easier conditions, he will appreciate the return to a sounder surface and is back down to the same mark as when winning at Newmarket on his final start last season.

Sloop Johnb can get a win on the board at the fourth attempt in the Northern Racing Club Maiden Auction Stakes at Carlisle.

Richard Fahey’s inmate has shaped well on all three of his starts and was just caught on the line over course and distance last time.

The Curragh stage the most interesting race of the day as Michael Bell’s Art Connoisseur tackles Group One company for the first time in the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes.

Bell’s juvenile was a hugely impressive winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and he can enhance his claims as one of the leading fancies for next year’s 2000 Guineas with a victory.