WALLY’S WAGERS: Ebor winner Litigant back with a bang

Considering the horse has not been on a racecourse for nearly 500 days it was a magnificent training performance from Joseph Tuite and his staff.

Tuite said: “This race had been his target through nearly 500 days of nervous preparation. It’s all about the team at home.

“Every day has led to here and we knew last week we couldn’t do anymore. We had him as right as we could get him and if it was good enough, it was good enough.”

The Knavesmire was packed on the opening day for the feature race the Juddmonte International Stakes.

The clash we all expected between Golden Horn and Gleneagles did not materialise due to the ground going softer than ideal for Aidan O’Brien-trained Gleneagles.

The 50-1 shot Arabian Queen took the prize in what was a fantastic race for everybody who did not lump on Golden Horn at 13s.

Jockey Silvestre De Sousa rode the winner perfectly from start to finish.

My highlight of the week was Mecca’s Angel performance in the Nunthorpe.

The Michael Dods-trained filly was so impressive and she slaughtered her talented rivals with ease.

With cut in the ground she looked a different class to the opposition in the five-furlong sprint.

Trainer William Haggas has a fantastic strike rate at York and it was no surprise to see him having a superb week with five winners and few placed horses.

Beverley, Newmarket and Goodwood all have good cards this Saturday.

Beverley is a fantastic day out for families or keen racegoers, with the highly competitive five-furlong Bullet Sprint the highlight.

Online Alexander would be my pick.

I thought she showed some improvement last time out at Pontefract to suggest her day won’t be too far away.

The Kevin Ryan-trained filly won her last race at the track and is definitely capable of winning again.

The latter is also entered in 3.25 race at Newmarket which i do think will be much more difficult to win.

Magical Memory won so well last time that as long as the ground stays good he will be difficult to oppose although in a higher grade.

The 3.45 at Goodwood should see the progressive Kodi Bear take some beating.

Wally’s Saturday tips

Online Alexander. Beverley 2.20

Magical Memory. Newmarket 3.25

Kodi Bear. Goodwood 3.45