This week Carl Nicholson (http://valuebacking.com) takes a look at this afternoons Dante Stakes at York.
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For this week I am going to take a look at the Dante Stakes at York Today ( 3.15 ) This race will probably give us the favourite for the Derby when the result is known.
I am going to take them in betting order as I write.
Jack Hobbs – does fall in to one my categories to follow when going through a race I.E did something special last time out. This one blitzed a field of handicappers in very taking style and goes on my short list
Elm Park – had the best two year old form from last year, but there has to be a strong doubt about this one staying over a mile on breeding, so I pass this one over
John F Kennedy – the talking horse over the winter from the stable, seemingly disappointed on first run, but that was on very heavy going and the exploits of the 2 that beat it ( both have won since ) say it was not as bad as that run looks at first glance. As long as the going remains good he should show his true colours. Goes on my short list
Golden Horn – is two from two, but has not done anything outstanding and doubt as to staying ability
Ol Man River – obviously had an issue in the guineas and was poorly drawn. I always like to forgive a poor run but Moore would be riding if it was thought capable of beating this field. Has questions to answer, but worth watching rather than backing
Nafaqa/ Medrano/Lord Ben Stack – these three just don’t look good enough and are passed over.
Verdict : I am inclined to lead towards John F Kennedy as the stable confidence is the ones ability seems to be very high and they are usually right. Jack Hobbs is feared most and this run will tell us how good he could be. But for the here and know JFK at 4/1 (Skybet) is preferred
Today's Selection
York 3.15 John F Kennedy – win bet – 4/1 Skybet