Catching Pigeons gossip column for the weekend

Without A Fight - 3.05 York

Without A Fight can concede weight all round in the Listed Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Grand Cup at York.

Beaten only a head by Coronation Cup winner Hukum at Meydan back in March, Simon Crisford's admirable stayer ran a sound race on his return to the domestic scene last month when chasing home Ilaraab and Scope in a Group 3 at Newbury last month.

Both the winner and the runner-up have won at that higher level, and Without A Fight is expected to be sharper for this run here. He has certainly pleased connections at home since.

Atomic Lady - 3.40 York

Atomic Lady was a very smart two-year-old and is worth an each-way interest on her return to action in the Pavers Foundation Catherine Memorial Sprint Handicap.

A consistent and game performer, she showed her liking for this course with an emphatic win over Silken Petals 11 months ago, before dividing high class performers Ever Given and Wings Of War in the valuable sales race at the August meeting.

On the best of her form she looks reasonably handicapped here, and should be fit enough to do herself justice.

Lethal Nymph - 4.00 Sandown

Lethal Nymph looks worth another chance in the Coral Proud To Support British Racing Handicap at Sandown.

A half brother to 2021 Victoria Cup winner and stablemate River Nymph, he gave the impression he would appreciate the step up from six to seven furlongs when a respectable third at Haydock last month, and he is just preferred to near neighbour Ernie's Valentine - who is expected to run well in his first time cheek pieces - and the William Haggas-trained Golden Voice.

Sheer Rocks - 2.15 Sandown

Sheer Rocks should appreciate both the drop in class and distance in the Coral Play Racing-Super-Series For Free Handicap.

Unbeaten in two outings last season, he took his chance in a classic trial at Epsom on his comeback, but little went right and he trailed in last behind Nahanni. Given seven weeks off to recover from those exertions, the step back to a mile from ten furlongs should help negate his tendency to run too keenly at the Downland course.

Roman Dragon - 3.20 Chester

Roman Dragon is just preferred to Andrew Balding's fancied Far Away Thoughts and Wodeton in the featured Extra Places Every Day Betway Handicap at Chester.

The son of Heeraat enjoyed a 50 per-cent strike rate in four appearances around this unique track last season, and the fact local trainer Hugo Palmer has teamed him with another course specialist in Franny Norton suggests he has a sound chance of improving that record in this fascinating race.

Expected to come on for his promising comeback second to Liamarty Dreams at Haydock two weeks ago, he will get a mighty cheer from what promises to be a big crowd if he prevails from what is a decent draw.

Chicago Gal - 4.11 Bath

Chicago Gal should go well for bang-in-form Alan King in the Royal Ascot On Sky Sports Racing Handicap at Bath.

The Barbury Castle trainer has booked smart 5lb claiming apprentice Benoit De La Sayette for this unexposed daughter of Cityscape, who looks likely to step up on her three outings and two placed performances as a juvenile, in the weeks and months ahead.

Nahaarr - 3.50 Salisbury, Sunday

Sea Gifted - 4.25 Salisbury, Sunday

Salisbury plays host to what should be a lively meeting in the build up to Royal Ascot week with William Haggas fielding two of the more interesting runners on the card.

Smart sprinter Nahaarr looks to have a few pounds on his rivals in the featured Listed Cathedral Stakes, whilst newcomer Sea Gifted is arguably the most interesting contender in the Cara Glass Fillies Novice Stakes.

A full-sister to high class performers Raheen House and Shraaoh, she is in the same ownership as her sire Sea The Stars, and has found what looks a relatively low key event for her introduction.

More from Sporting Life

• Racecards
• Fast results
• Full results and free video replays
• Horse racing news
• Horse racing tips
• Horse racing features
• Download our free iOS and Android app
• Football and other sports tips
• Podcasts and video content

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.