Johnston’s King’s Advice is worth paying attention to in Ebor

King’s Advice has been given a chance by the handicapper and can return to winning ways in the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap at York.

Mark Johnston’s charge was unplaced in the race last year, having arrived on the back of an incredible first half of the season.

Beginning with a rating of 71 after joining from Eoghan O’neill in France, he won his first six races for Johnston before finishing sixth in the Northumberland Plate off 101.

He then returned to the winner’s enclosure at Newmarket in a big handicap, and won again at Goodwood before being beaten off 112 at York.

Winning has been hard for him since – although he was second to Red Verdon in a Listed race at Doncaster in June, and there were signs last time out that his turn may not be far away again.

Given he can run off just 103, he does look extremely well handicapped on his best form.

Johnston has a good chance in the earlier Sky Bet And Symphony Group Strensall Stakes with Dark Vision.

The Royal Hunt Cup winner has appeared to be crying out for further, certainly in winning at Pontefract last time out, and this nine-furlong trip could be ideal.

As a two-year-old he stayed seven furlongs well – and while attempts over further than a mile last year were fruitless, he is a completely different proposition this term.

There will be those who fancy Alan King’s Beringer to turn the tables from Pontefract, given he was staying on nicely, but that track did not seem to suit Dark Vision. Back on a level playing field, he can prove his superiority.

The Richard Hannontrained Mambo Nights can bring up a four-timer in the Sky Bet Melrose Stakes.

This race always attracts a classy field and is seen by many as the three-year-olds’ Ebor.

Mambo Nights is well worth his place, though, given the progression he has shown this season.

Having failed to win in four attempts last year, he has done so at Sandown, Ripon and most recently Goodwood this term.