Hi all,
In today’s piece I’m looking back at York’s Dante Meeting, which delivered plenty of future winners. Unlike Chester’s May meeting, where I struggled to find eyecatchers, York offered a host of hard-luck stories—rare for a track that usually produces clean races.
I had two great days on the Knavesmire. The weather played ball, and York remains the best racecourse in the country.
Watering Surprises, But Talent Shines Through at York
York surprised me with how much watering was done before the meeting. In the past, you could nearly always count on them not to overdo it. But they clearly had their reasons this year.
Tuesday’s card was run on good ground that looked a bit loose on top. Some horses didn’t handle it. Wednesday was a touch quicker, still officially good. By Friday, the surface had dried out to good to firm.
Tuesday
In the Musidora Stakes, Whirl didn’t win on looks but impressed where it matters. Despite her modest frame, she’s clearly got an engine. That was the most impressive Oaks trial we’ve seen so far and the time backs it up. Strong at the finish, she’ll stay 1m4f. The French Oaks may be on her agenda though, and if Aidan O’Brien doesn’t send Whirl to Epsom, take the hint he has something even better.
Earlier, Inisherin returned from wind surgery to battle on to win the Duke of York Stakes. Well-backed beforehand, he looked better than ever. That run will have sharpened him up too. Royal Ascot up next and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
Flora Of Bermuda came with a big challenge late and would’ve preferred softer ground. Night Raider, who set a strong pace before fading, proved he handles turf and could be aimed at the Nunthorpe given the speed he showed here. He's a talented sprinter.
Future Winner – The Reverend (William Haggas)
Backed into 2/1 favourite on seasonal return in the 1m4f handicap, The Reverend was outpaced entering the straight but kept on well for 5th. A promising effort. He’ll be better over 1m6f this season.
Wednesday
See The Fire was as impressive as anything all week. She cruised home in a Listed race and looks Group 1 material, especially against her own sex. The Nassau Stakes would suit, but she’s worth a try over 1m4f in the Yorkshire Oaks. I also wouldn’t dismiss her for the Juddmonte International either—she loves York.
Dante winner Pride Of Arras has firmly entered the Derby picture. A well-balanced colt, two of his half-siblings handled Epsom well, so he should too. He’s yet to race on fast ground, but how likely is the Derby to be run on good to firm? Not very. He’d be 9/4 if trained by Aidan O’Brien—yet he can still be backed at 5/1.
Damysus improved again and shaped like he’ll stay further, though his hanging left late, which could still be down to inexperience, is a slight concern regarding the Epsom camber. However, he looks a bit of value at around 12/1.
The Lion In Winter clearly wasn’t fully tuned for Wednesday’s race. He could still prove best of the Dante horses later in the season. There’s been plenty of money for him in the last couple of days for Epsom and he’s now the 5/2 favourite across the board. Clearly some punters think Aidan O’Brien can do a City Of Troy with the colt.
Future Winner – Vintage Clarets (Richard Fahey)
Finished 6th in Thursday’s 5f handicap, just 2¾ lengths off the winner. Vintage Clarets is 2lb above his last winning mark, and prefers softer ground, and will pop up again this season.
Friday
Glad I didn’t attend—profit aside, it was the weakest of the three days. Rebels Romance landed a poor Yorkshire Cup. The most exciting performance came from Kon Tiki, who produced a smart turn of foot to win the Listed fillies’ race. She’s unbeaten and looks Group 1 filly. Given her pedigree, she could improve further over 1m2f.
Future Winner – Loom (Richard Fahey)
Took a big step forward from his reappearance effort when second to The Man in the 3yo 5f handicap. This was a career best on RPR’s and just his fifth start. A stiffer 5f may suit. The Palace of Holyrood House Handicap at Royal Ascot could be the plan for Loom.
In the closing 7f handicap, both Quest For Fun and Riot met trouble. The former never got a run between the final two furlongs yet still snatched 4th. He’s well treated now but prefers cut in the ground. Riot also found no room on the rail and finished 9th, but he’s now 6lb below his last win. There’s a 0-80 handicap in him on good or quicker ground.
Good luck with your Tuesday bets.
John