SOUND BOARD

Man is simply four-midable

BOARDMAN looks destined to strike gold for the fourth time this season in the JCB Handicap (2.35) at York this afternoon.

The Tim Easterby-trained six-year-old is on a roll, having collected on three of his last four outings.

After returning to winning form at Haydock in April, the son of Kingman finished fifth at Chester’s May meeting next time out.

But Boardman hit the bullseye at Thirsk eight days later, and finished with gusto to beat Mykonos by a length and a quarter on the Roodee two weeks ago.

A 4lb rise in the weights for that success could have been worse, and the fact David Allan’s mount came out on top on his only previous try over the course and distance is another plus.

A drop in grade is taken to do the trick for old favourite EUCHEN GLEN in the Listed Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Grand Cup (3.05).

Although he’s now nine, Jim Goldie’s stable stalwart is still capable of smart form on his day, as when capturing last year’s Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown.

Euchen Glen hasn’t been at his best this season, following a well-beaten sixth at Doncaster in March on his comeback with the same finishing position in the Group 2 Henry II Stakes at the Esher venue at the end of last month.

But the latter race didn’t unfold his way – a sluggish start left Euchen Glen to make his ground from the back, while first home Quickthorn made all – and Euchen Glen shouldn’t be written off.

His previous efforts on the Knavesmire point to the chance of THRONE HALL in the opening Queen Mother’s Cup Handicap (2.00).

The Archie Watson-saddled son of Kingman made the podium in competitive handicaps at York in May and August 2021, both efforts from a BHA mark of 98.

Throne Hall is 6lb lower here, and Brodie Hampson’s presence in the plate – this contest is restricted to female amateur jockeys – fuels expectations of another good run.

At Chester, Derby hero Richard Kingscote, still on a high from Desert Crown’s triumph at Epsom last weekend – can again take centre stage aboard OUTGATE in the Extra Places Every Day At Betway Handicap (3.20).

The son of Outstrip, trained by Dan and Claire Kubler, lost his chance when squeezed out at the start at Haydock on his latest start but came home in front over course and distance the time before.