Racing: Best Alibi carries York confidence

Connections of Irish Derby third Best Alibi expect him to return to winning form in today's Group Two Skybet York Stakes (3.50).

The son of King's Best drops in both class and distance after finishing five lengths behind Dylan Thomas at the Curragh last time. Best Alibi was also sixth behind Sir Percy at Epsom and Bruce Raymond, the racing manager to owners Gainsborough Stud, believes he can get a win on the board back over 10 furlongs.

Raymond said: "He's better at this trip than a mile and a half and he likes the ground on the fast side. There are only five runners but even if the race becomes a tactical affair it won't inconvenience him as he can go from the front or behind. He should win."

Clive Brittain saddles Hattan, who has also been regularly competing in top level races, having recently run eighth behind David Junior in the Eclipse at Sandown. Brittain said: "He's got a good chance on his best form. It wasn't his best performance in the Eclipse but I thought he ran a very good race in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown. On that form he can't be too far away."

Hattan's only career success has come over a mile and a half but Brittain believes today's trip will suit his charge - "He has a lot of speed and he's run some very good races over 10 furlongs. Best Alibi is there to be beaten and we have a good chance of doing it."