JOHNNY CAN WALK IT

THERE’S going to be a fair bit of Drama in the Sky Bet Handicap.

JOHNNY DRAMA (1.50) won the competitive John Smith’s Cup over 1m2f at this track in July.

Andrew Balding’s ace (right) has also finished runner-up in two of his three other visits to York and the return to 1m4f isn’t a worry.

Despite the big field, there’s a distinct lack of pace in this race so Johnny Drama’s ability to quicken off an ordinary gallop should be a dangerous weapon.

Last month’s Goodwood fourth could suggest the handicapper had caught up with him but I’d be surprised if that’s the case.

He’s still well weighted on his smart all-weather form and the ground was too heavy for him last time. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1 with Sky Bet paying out on seven places and others stretching to six.

KING TRITON (5.10) makes his first start since switching from Roger Varian to Grant Tuer.

He would be a lot shorter in the betting if he hadn’t moved but that doesn’t bother me.

Tuer has been in fantastic form this season and he has clearly targeted this race with this impressive Thirsk novice winner.

That June success has worked out well and he could easily be well weighted.

Have 1pt each-way at 12-1 with Sky Bet going six places and others paying out on five.

The Convivial Maiden is traditionally one of the hottest races of its type and it’s often won by a future Group-class horse.

DAWN OF LIBERATION (4.10) might well be heading in that direction.

He ran really well when third behind more experienced Reach For The Moon and Harrow on his debut at Newbury.

That’s smart form and Richard Hannon’s youngster looked like he would improve quite a bit for that run.

Have 1pt to win at 7-1.