Chapple-Hyam monitoring weather

Peter Chapple-Hyam is hoping for a dry spell in Yorkshire as he prepares Monitor Closely for a crack at Saturday's Group Two Sky Bet York Stakes.The three-year-old finished fourth to Black Bear Island in the Dante Stakes over the course and distance in May, and was last seen taking third in the Listed Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot. He found a bit of trouble in running that day and Chapple-Hyam believes this race presents an ideal opportunity.He said: "Monitor Closely seems in good form and if the rain stays away we will be taking him to York. He likes fast ground, so he would not want it wet on the Knavesmire."The handler continued: "I wound him up a little bit at home before Royal Ascot, I possibly made him a little bit too keen and it showed in the race. The aim is to get him settled and in a nice rhythm at York. "He wants 10 furlongs at the moment, so this race is ideal, and we'll see whether he wants further as the season progresses."John Gosden saddled Pipedreamer to victory last year and he runs Cambridgeshire winner Tazeez this time. Godolphin are represented by Kirklees, a Listed winner over 10 furlongs at Sandown and currently 7-4 favourite with Sky Bet. Luca Cumani relies on Curragh Group Three winner Curtain Call, with multiple South African Group One winner Kings Gambit making his British bow for Tom Tate. Halicarnassus, Smokey Oakey, Macorville and Allied Powers complete the line-up.