Rain will help a Lightning strike

LIGHTNING MOON (York, 3.15) looked a sprinter to follow last term and can confirm that impression in the Duke Of York Stakes this afternoon.

The son of Shamardal has enjoyed cut in the ground on all three of his starts to date and connections will be hoping the Knavesmire doesn’t dry up too much before today’s Group 2 sprint.

If there is still some ease in conditions, Ed Walker’s speedster should go well from a decent draw and it looks significant that Godolphin have been keen to procure the four-yearold this term.

William Buick was on board the selection second time out at Haydock when he ran out a smooth six-length winner, prior to securing the hattrick in an Ascot Group 3 featuring some quality rivals.

There is always a slight concern that fitness may be an issue with a horse making his seasonal reappearance but Lightning Moon obliged on his debut last May and shrugged off a lengthy absence to score at Ascot in October, so could be a better horse when undercooked.

Some of the earlyseason Classic trials have produced more questions than answers but I am hoping STAR OF SEVILLE (York, 3.45) can put down a marker for the Epsom Oaks with victory in the Musidora Stakes.

Frankie Dettori (below) dictated a strong pace at Newbury to win a decent event last month and, if he can employ similar tactics today, the duo might prove hard to pass in the York straight.

LIBRAN (York, nb, 5.20) was mightily impressive in winning at Beverley last week and it will be interesting to see if he can repeat that level of performance in the finale. Alan Swinbank has his stayers in good form at present and his representative recorded a terrific speed figure when obliging on the Westwood so is narrowly preferred to the likes of Ribblehead, Primogeniture and likely favourite Osaruveetil.

FIRST FLIGHT (York, nap, 2.10) represents a stable with a smart record in the opener and it looks feasible that Saeed bin Suroor may have had this race in mind for his charge for a while.