Chipchase Stakes Guide

1. Invincible Army

T - James Tate

J - PJ McDonald

Given a chance to redeem himself after Ascot disappointment, where perhaps the ground was a little too fast for his liking.

Has improved rapidly this season with wins at Doncaster and not too far away from here at York, and the artificial surface will certainly slow things down to his liking.

One Group Three win on only all-weather start to date, and carries leading claims in bouncing back.

2. Mr Lupton

T - Richard Fahey

J - Paul Hanagan

Arguably Invincible Army's biggest danger is the six-year-old Mr Lupton, who reverts back to the all-weather after a long spell on the turf.

Has won two Group races on the grass for Richard Fahey and carries a 5lb penalty as a result, and will need to handle the slower conditions.

Fifth in this race three years ago remains his only all-weather start, which certainly needs improving on.

3. Above The Rest

T - David Barron

J - Clifford Lee

Winner of this race last year, Above The Rest will already be clear of the rest if pouncing from stall one.

Won a seven furlong Listed race at Wolverhampton in March, but has been hit and miss since, failing to be better than seventh in four appearances.

Tough task beckons and mark continues to tumble.

4. Encrypted

T - Hugo Palmer

J - Ben Curtis

Quality record on this surface winning on four of six starts, most notably the Lingfield Listed race last November.

Poor run on the turf can be forgotten about, and on the basis of his record at the likes of Lingfield, Chelmsford and Kempton, his name must be put in the hat here.

Hit and miss on the grass but still knows what it takes to win.

Interesting at a price.

5. Laugh A Minute

T - Roger Varian

J - Andrea Atzeni

Never raced on this surface and only on the turf, but strong head carriage should suit what's below his feet.

Has been smart in last five outings - just winning once, but been closer in the remainder including when third in a Conditions contest at Haydock last time out with the form boosted since.

Won a big handicap at Doncaster last season, and cannot be discounted particularly with the gambles on the Varian horses of late.

7. Island Of Life

T - William Haggas

J - Kerrin McEvoy

The one mare in the field gets a useful allowance, despite winning a course and distance handicap for fillies back in November.

Finished runner-up to Above The Rest in a seven furlong Listed clash on the all-weather at Wolverhampton in March and ran on well in the closing stages, adding to his excellent record on this surface from over the winter.

Another day he may have troubled the winner, and should go well again here.

Held on the turf since at Haydock, and not disgraced behind a Guineas winner at Chelmsford latest.