Racing: Rhyme on trial at York

AS COMEBACKS go it is hardly a ticker-tape parade, but David Elsworth will not be complaining. The median auction stakes at York this afternoon sees the seasonal debut of Seattle Rhyme, the horse he once hoped would win this year's Derby, and though that contest has been and gone there are still plenty of valuable Group One races to aim for if his colt proves his well-being today, writes Hyperion (Greg Wood).

Racing is all about ifs, but there are few larger than a former top juvenile who has had injury problems attempting to reassert his authority. Seattle Rhyme is also the last relatively unexposed animal left in the King George who might conceivably mount a serious challenge to St Jovite and Saddlers' Hall, which lends particular interest to today's race, yet his likely long odds-on price will not make him a horse to burden with financial interest.

Indeed, recent winner Speaker's House (4.40) could be a value bet against last year's Racing Post Trophy winner, though there are more attractive propositions elsewhere on the card. CUMBRIAN WALTZER (nap 3.10) has spent much of the season finding trouble in running before finishing fast into a place, but with only nine rivals today should get a clear passage.

Remany (next best 2.35) is entitled to be rated a few pounds higher for his second to Milanese in May, while Folia (3.40) and Hamas (4.10) can put Royal Ascot disappointments behind them.

Chaplins Club, the popular and prolific 12-year-old sprinter, was retired after landing the seller at Redcar yesterday. It was the 24th win of a 160-race career spanning 10 seasons.

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