Dante Meeting Final Day Bets

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece you’ll find my take on the ITV races from the final day of York’s Dante Meeting.

Arras Strikes in Dante as Derby Betting Shaken Up

Yesterday’s Dante Stakes gave the Derby betting a serious shake-up. Pride Of Arras produced a smart turn of foot to win, bursting between horses two furlongs out and quickly going clear. He’s clearly talented and, on pedigree, should stay 1m 4f. He looks set for more at Epsom and I think should be Derby favourite after this performance.

Damysus also emerged with credit in second. He made his move down the middle but couldn’t match the winner’s pace over 1m 2f. The extra two furlongs of the Derby will suit. He’s a handy, well-balanced type—just the sort to handle Epsom—and looks capable of a big run there.

The Lion In Winter, the odds-on favourite, got warm beforehand and pulled hard early on his first start since August. He shaped as though the run would bring him on. There’s only three weeks to Epsom and getting him spot-on in that time would be one of Aidan O’Brien’s finest training feats. But if anyone can, Aidan can. It’s too early to write him off and I can see him doing well later this summer.

Earlier in the day, See The Fire destroyed her rivals in the Group 2 Middleton Fillies' Stakes, winning by 12 lengths. She relished the ground and clearly loves York—she also won here last August. She’s set for Group 1 success this summer, almost certainly against her own sex. That said, don’t rule out a crack at the International Stakes back over C&D in August.

York Dante Meeting – Day 3

The Boodles Yorkshire Cup Stakes (3.45) headlines the final day of York’s Dante Meeting. Just five go to post, and it’s not the deepest renewal of this Group 2.

Earlier, the Listed Clipper EBF Marygate Fillies' Stakes (2.10) kicks off the ITV Racing card. The Sky Bet Fillies' Stakes (3.13), registered as the Michael Seely Memorial, is the other Listed contest on the day. ITV also cover the first five from York, plus a 1m2f handicap at Newbury (2:25).

2:10 – Clipper EBF Marygate Fillies' Stakes (Listed, 5f)

Harry’s Girl made a bright start when winning at Newmarket. She showed early speed but also signs of greenness. She’s by Harry Angel and looks set for more. A third juvenile winner of the week for Richard Hannon wouldn’t surprise. If she wins, Royal Ascot will be up next.

2:42 – Knights Solicitors Handicap (Class 2, 1m2½f)

Thunder Run took a valuable handicap here over a mile last summer. He flopped in the Lincoln but will prefer this ground. Today’s longer trip is the question mark.

Tony Montana had a productive 2024 and ran a big race when second at Goodwood on return. He’s C&D-placed in the John Smith’s Cup and looks set for more back at York.

Financer shaped nicely when second at Ripon on seasonal return. He progressed steadily last year and can do well this season. Solid each-way claims.

Bint Al Daar ran well twice this spring under a 7lb apprentice. Kieran Shoemark takes over today. She was runner-up in a big C&D handicap here last August and could go close again if reproducing last season’s best.

3:13 – Sky Bet Fillies' Stakes (Listed, 1m)

A competitive Listed contest with plenty of potential improvers.

Glittering Surf is unbeaten in two and looked smart at Kempton last time. Trainer Owen Burrows flagged this race straight after. She’s in the Coronation Stakes and looks set for better.

Consecrated impressed when winning on racecourse debut at Newbury. She made all over 7f and did it the hard way. The Frankel filly steps up to a mile and is very much on the up.

Kon Tiki is unbeaten on two AW runs. She showed a sharp turn of foot to win at Wolverhampton last time. Talk of the Guineas after, but this race fits well. She’s set for more.

3:45 – Boodles Yorkshire Cup Stakes (Group 2, 1m6f)

Rebel’s Romance has won Group 1s in the US, Germany and Hong Kong. This is his first run beyond 1m4f, but it’s a weak renewal. If he stays, he wins.

Continuous, last year’s St Leger hero didn’t progress as expected as a 4-year-old. Blinkers go on now and Ryan Moore heads to York for just this ride before flying to Leopardstown. He’s the main danger if bouncing back.

4:15 – Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap (Class 3, 5f)

A wide-open sprint handicap with 22 runners.

Cape Sovereign (1) has shaped well on both runs since a wind and gelding op. He’s up just 1lb and looks set for more from stall 1.  Stablemate Against The Wind (6) landed a Thirsk handicap on handicap debut and comes from a yard that excels with sprinters. Tom Eaves rides, but that might be weight related. He’s another drawn low and looks set to run well.

Acrisius (19) almost made all at Doncaster on handicap debut. He’s progressive but his high draw is a concern in a race like this.

Sudden Flight (11) has done nothing wrong. He won at Southwell and went close under a penalty at Wolverhampton. Now makes his turf/handicap debut and looks set for more.

Just King High (7) won on his final juvenile start at Southwell. He returns from a wind op and has Tom Marquand booked. He’s lightly raced and could be set for a good run from a handy mark.

Not the strongest card in terms of class, but I’ve more betting interest today than on the previous two days. If you want Friday’s York picks and the next 30 days’, you can get them here.

Let’s hope York's Dante Meeting signs off with a bang.

Good luck with your Friday bets.

John