Hi all,
Inside today's main piece you can read my thoughts on day two of York's Dante Meeting.
It felt like a throwback to the 1990s on the Knavesmire yesterday, with jockeys opting for the far rail rather than drifting down the centre on the round course. That meant a few hard-luck stories for horses held up off the pace.
Front-runners seemed favoured early on, but the bias levelled out in the final four races. Also, the ground wasn’t as quick as forecast. On times it was on the quick side of good rather than good to firm. Indeed, it was also loose on top and fair number of horses didn’t handle it. That’s something to bear in mind if they have watered overnight.
I looked on course for a poor day, but the last two saved me. Ballistic Missile stood out in the paddock before the 2yo novice (4:55), and in the lucky last I switched to Great Bedwyn after my original pick was scratched.
No bet for me in the Musidora, but I’m still kicking myself for leaving Whirl unbacked. She was easy to back and returned a generous 7/2. Ok I don’t think it was a strong renewal of the race, but she beat her rivals comfortably. Not sure if she’ll head to Epsom or the French Oaks, but the step up to 1m2f really suited and she’ll stay and improve for further.
Aidan O’Brien continues his stranglehold on the Classic trials. Can he complete a clean sweep with The Lion In Winter in this afternoon's Dante?
York May Meeting – Day 2
The Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (3:45) is Thursday’s highlight. Eleven past winners have gone on to Derby glory, most recently Desert Crown in 2022. O’Brien’s colt is already Derby favourite, and interest has only grown since Ruling Court, who he beat in the Acomb, won the 2,000 Guineas.
Earlier, the Group 2 Middleton Fillies’ Stakes (3:13) also takes centre stage. Last year’s winner, Bluestocking, ended her season with a stunning Arc win. Just eight go to post this year. Kalpana wasn’t declared, so her stablemate See The Fire now looks the one to beat.
ITV are covering the first five races from York, plus a stayers’ handicap from Salisbury.
2:10 – Lindum York Handicap (5f, Class 2)
Over York’s sharp 5f, I usually favour low-to-middle draws—but there’s plenty of early pace from high numbers.
Shagraan (14) ran a solid third at Goodwood on his return, will be fitter now, and is well suited by a strongly run 5f on a sharp track
Vantheman (15) went close over C&D at this meeting last year and ran well again here in the autumn. He should come on for his Newmarket reappearance and looks the one to improve further at four.
From lower draws:
Jm Jungle (9) was just behind American Affair at Musselburgh and now gets a 4lb pull.
Pilgrim (10) ran a cracker from the front at Ripon and looks primed for a big season.
Spartan Arrow (5) won well at Epsom and looks progressive, but this is a step up in class.
2:42 – Oakmere Homes Hambleton Handicap (1m, Class 2)
Blue For You wasn’t ideally placed in a steadily run 7f race at Haydock but still shaped well. He’s won here the last three seasons and looks the one back over C&D. I don’t like to be with the favourite in a race like this but 9/2 is value, as he’s 3/1 on my tissue. Mind you that doesn’t consider he might find trouble in running if they race far side like they did yesterday.
Sisyphean is best judged on his C&D win last summer and was also a solid fourth at Goodwood. Ignore his soft-ground flop here last autumn. Ryan Moore rides. The wide draw (13) is a worry, but he remains with potential
Northern Express was runner-up in this last year and is only 3lb higher. Cheekpieces return and he goes well here. Yard form a bit of a concern.
Old Cock was too keen in the Lincoln but showed progressive 3yo handicap form on quick ground last year. He’s better than he was able to show last time and the yard won this race 12 months ago.
Mr King didn’t fire at Thirsk when well backed but had excuses was caught out wide. He’s well-weighed on a going day.
Theme Park ticks the C&D and ground boxes and was back on track at Pontefract, though the draw and class rise might find him out.
3:13 – Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies’ Stakes (Group 2, 1m2½f)
See The Fire won the Group 3 Strensall here last August and should strip fitter after her fifth in the Gordon Richards Stakes. She’s back against her own sex and on quicker ground—looks the one to beat.
Nakheel ended last season with a win in the Park Hill (1m6½f) and goes well fresh. She’s smart, but dropping in trip on firm ground could catch her out. One to note this season.
3:45 – Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (Group 2, 1m2½f)
All eyes on The Lion In Winter, last seen beating Ruling Court in the Acomb. That form looks rock-solid now. He’s been off since, but O’Brien is unlikely to send him here undercooked. He’s looks the one in a fascinating renewal.
Alpine Trail is 3-3 and made all to win the Listed Newmarket Stakes last time. Supplemented for this, he’s an obvious threat if The Lion In Winter needs the run and I can see him giving the favourite a race at the very least.
4:18 – British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes (Listed, 5f)
Tropical Storm didn’t fire in the Palace House but likely needed that run. He won a Listed race over C&D last summer and handles quick ground. If back to that level, he looks the one to beat.
Mr Lightside returned with a smart second over 6f at Chelmsford and ran a solid fourth to Tropical Storm here last August. He’ll be sharper this time and could close the gap. Yard won this race last year.
Good luck with your Thursday bets.
John