The Limping Cat makes most appeal

The Limping Cat can edge out his 18 rivals in the £27,500-added Lawrence Batley Rated Stakes at York today.

September signals big fields, changeable ground and odd results. And today's wide-open sprint is typical of the sort of big handicap that punters have to tackle at this time of year - if they choose to.

The Limping Cat makes appeal as a lightly-raced sort who is just running into form.

As a juvenile, Barry Morgan's looked a useful prospect, winning his maiden at Nottingham before finishing third to Bay Prince in a listed race at tomorrow's venue.

He did not reappear until the end of May and having indicated that he retains ability ran his best race over five furlongs - again at York - last month.

Having to race from a rather isolated pitch on the far side, The Limping Cat ran on well but went down by one and a quarter lengths to Night Shot.

He shapes as if a step up to six will suit and should put in a bold bid in a race where it is possible to make a case for a host of the runners.

Silently makes more appeal as nap material in the £11,000-added Batleys Cash & Carry Handicap. This is also competitive but Silently comes here at the top of his form.

Bought for only 6,000 guineas by rookie trainer Kevin Ryan after winning a Redcar claimer, the six-year-old gave the Hambleton-based handler his third winner when scooting in by four lengths from General Glow at Musselburgh last week.