Elevator Company Novice Auction Stakes (Plus 10)

Zatorius is certain to be popular with punters after making late progress through the Chester mud on debut last month. This slightly longer trip should play to his strengths and with that experience taken on board is much respected. However, the actual worth of that form is difficult to assess and others hold similar claims. Qianlong looks reliable for Roger Varian, but equally beatable, and in truth the Ayr winner Salazar makes more appeal despite having the burden of a penalty. Therefore, a really strong preference is for the Hugo Palmer trained PHOTONICS. This €60,000 Power colt was a massive eye-catcher behind a reasonably talented and more experienced rival (Tansheet) on debut at Newcastle last month, and it is perhaps telling how much connections must think about this horse, that Newcastle based owner John Dance elects to send his charge here to York in preference to a return to Gosforth Park, where an easier winning opportunity will surely present itself in the weeks which lie ahead.

1. Photonics
2. Salazar
3. Zatorius