Tom Stanley's top tips for Friday: Cheer on Chatez at 10-1

I remember when I was doing less presenting and far more sitting at home punting, but October always used to be an intentionally quiet month on the betting front.

The crossover of the codes means I don’t really want to start backing jumps horses - not just yet anyway - and the amount of top juvenile racing, as much as I love it, is not something I want to get financially involved with.

That said, this time last year I remember having a good go at September in the Fillies' Mile.

My now wife, Lauren, had had a very small (and I mean very small) wager on Laurens. We know how that turned out.

As she danced around the room I politely tried to inform her that as far as the ‘what’s mine is yours’ saying goes, that was not the result we wanted. The feature race is not of betting interest on Friday but the two-year-old opener at HQ is.

Disappointing since his third in the Coventry, although his run in the Phoenix could be explained by the virus in the yard at the time.

That same excuse cannot be used for his Middle Park effort but this is a significant drop in grade and, more importantly, a drop back to the minimum trip.

That should see him settle better and I love his draw up against the stands' side rail. I’d wager more prominent tactics will be used, which saw him successful over this trip earlier this season, and I’m surprised he is as big as 5-1.

Ran a very encouraging race on return at Ayr after nine months off. He’s not badly drawn given his hold-up style but I would prefer more pace on for him.

Conditions look likely to ease given the forecast at York, which may help provide him with the test he needs and he’s worth supporting at 10-1.

His Buckstay form from the Spring Mile a few years back, but just three Flat starts ago, certainly makes him favourably treated.

Last year’s winner Limato will be difficult to beat but Gordon Lord Byron is a massive price at 28-1.

Third in this race 12 months ago, when best of those who raced up the centre, he has a more favourable berth this year and shaped for a return to this trip last time over six.

He has shown the fire still burns and, for all it’s a speculative punt, he might just cause a surprise if Dancing Star takes them off the rail and Gordon Lord Byron sticks to it.

Two on side here given the size of the field and the fact I have been backing then pair much of the year. If one or other goes in I want to be on!

I backed Dark Shot at the start of the season, when he was just touched off over course and distance by El Astronaute. That’s good form, although Dark Shot has since failed to find the winner’s enclosure.

He’s well drawn in amongst the best of the pace and blinkers may help him find that bit more needed.

Duke Of Firenze dropped into a class three last time at Leicester but still did not look anything like the force of old.

However, his past two wins have come at York and he will have this run to suit. Ideally, he’d be drawn nearer the pace in the middle but stall one does have a front-runner and he should get the gallop he requires. Any rain will not be an issue.