3:50 Redcar Tips

Classic Encounter looks capable of bouncing back here, with excuses available for both runs this season. His return came after a 183-day break in a Class 2 handicap at Doncaster Racecourse over 1m on good to soft ground, where he finished 7th, beaten 9¾l. The softer conditions may not have suited ideally that day. Last time out at Newmarket Racecourse he was 6th, beaten 7½l in a Class 3 handicap, but the far side appeared favoured and Classic Encounter finished second of the eight runners racing in the centre group. The horse that beat him in that section, I Still Have Faith, has since advertised the form by running very well again. Last season he showed useful ability, winning over this course and distance at Redcar Racecourse in a Class 3 handicap off 77, scoring by 1l in a 0-90 contest. He later followed up at York Racecourse over 1m1f off 83 in a Class 4 handicap. Now running off 84 in a 0-85 Class 4 handicap, with conditions looking suitable and Pat Cosgrave back aboard after steering him to victory here last year, Classic Encounter looks to hold solid claims.