Dave Nevison tips: my best three bets for York on Friday

Kevin Ryan has his string in good form and bagged a winner on the first day of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival with a runner recently upped in trip.

Dark Moon Rising looks like he might be another to go well here. This four-year-old was running in Group races (not very well, admittedly) not that long ago, and it has to be possible that those stern contests made him lose his enthusiasm for the game, especially as his form dipped considerably.

His latest two efforts, both at York, confirm that he has found his level again now, though. He came from behind to win off a rating of 82 last time out and the strong pace, that looks certain here, should suit him perfectly.

Dark Moon Rising is on a rating of 86 now but is still 10lb lower than he started running off last year, and with his confidence back, he ought to be competitive again here with Tom Eaves keeping the ride.

Karl Burke’s impressive looking two-year-old was beaten in a Group Three last time out but I believe Kylian is definitely worth a bet for this Group Two event here.

The youngster is crying out for six furlongs and could not go the early pace in the Molecomb at Goodwood last time out, but was staying on really well in the last furlong to finish third.

He had previously been impressive over the much stiffer 5f at Sandown in a Listed event, and has plenty of experience plus some of the strongest form coming into this race.

Clifford Lee gets a good opportunity here with Ryan Moore booked to ride Johannes Brahms, and will relish the chance.

Won a Listed race in Germany last season but after being campaigned in similar events this season, Charlie Johnston dropped her into a handicap last time out, and she ran her best race in this country.

She was pitched in against older horses, and males, last time out plus ran a determined race by staying on strongly behind the in-form Darkness over this trip.

It certainly looked as though she would be suited by this step back up in trip on only her second handicap start, and the booking of Ryan Moore always catches the eye.

Sirona has a good draw in stall 5 and I very much expect a positive ride, so we should definitely get a run for our money.