WITH the weather forecast so mixed up and down the country, it really is hard to evaluate what the ground is going to be like for the big meetings at York, Newmarket, Ascot and Chester. But what we can conclude already is that the Knavesmire turf will at least have some kind of dig in it.

That, and any more forecast heavy showers, will definitely suit the likes of top weight Young Fire and the very well handicapped Ebury in the opening mile handicap at York (1.45).

The lightly raced Ajyaall also merits consideration, being a totally unexposed sort and coming from a yard that traditionally does well with its handicappers here. The son of Kingman just looked in need of the outing on his seasonal debut here at the back end of May, when he looked big enough in the paddock and just ran around the green when first coming under pressure from his partner.