Dave Nevison Friday tips: Trilby head and shoulders above rest

I have tipped on his past two starts and he has been runner-up as favourite on both occasions. Here’s hoping for third time lucky! 

There were no excuses last time in a big field at York but he was beaten by racing on the wrong side over this course and distance on his penultimate start. 

He was drawn 12 of 12 on that occasion so had little option but to come stands’ side but he is in stall 3 here and will find himself in a better position to make a winning challenge. 

Trilby will no doubt go off favourite again for this but the ground is perfect for him and he will get a strong pace to aim at. So if your fingers are not too badly burnt from the past two runs I would recommend sticking with him one more time. 

Sean Dylan Bowen rode this mudlark in most of his races while he was in Ireland and the trainer has obviously been keen to maintain the relationship with the excellent apprentice. 

Bowen has been on him for two runs at Chester this season and the combination have not been seen to best advantage. Mercurial 

 was drawn wide last time and before that was too far off the pace and couldn’t get to the leaders. 

He is dropped to 6f  - the distance of his win in a big handicap last back end - for the first time this season and I expect him to be ridden prominently. 

will certainly have a very determined rider on board with Bowen narrowly ahead in the battle to be champion apprentice.