LADY CECIL can secure a second successive victory in the Betfred Ebor at York courtesy of perceived stable second-string Retirement Plan.
The trainer landed an emotional success with Tiger Cliff last year and Mighty Yar appears to be the leading contender from Warren Place with Frankie Dettori booked.
However, preference is for Retirement Plan, who only just scraped into the race by virtue of the 4lb penalty he incurred for winning at Ascot's Shergar Cup meeting.
Previously disappointing in his first couple of outings, Retirement Plan received an excellent ride from Canadian pilot Emma-Jayne Wilson to run out a length-and-a-quarter winner over Buckland.
Always well placed, he could be called the winner from probably half a furlong out as he assumed control and won going away in the style of a potentially useful beast.
Retirement Plan was considered a possible St Leger type last term and, while things have clearly not been straightforward since as he did not run again until this year after winning at Goodwood last August, the Monsun colt clearly has ability.
His draw in stall one may not be viewed as ideal but, as he has been sharply away in his recent outings, he is capable of taking an early position, although a glance over the recent roll of honour suggests there is no real bias at all on the Knavesmire.
Farraaj should be followed as he returns to Group Three level in the Betfred Play Today's £2Million+ Scoop6 Strensall Stakes.
Winner of the ultra-competitive John Smith's Cup at this track last month, Roger Varian had lowered Farraaj's sights to handicap class after he failed to make an impact in Pattern company last term.
His Knavesmire win showed that he retains plenty of his old sparkle though and, with the handicapper putting him back up to a perch of 116, this looks a sensible option.
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