ITV Racing Tips At York: Selections For Dante Day
It's Dante Day up at York on Thursday and as well as the big race there is a feast of good action to sink our teeth into on the Knavesmire. The racing is always fiercely competitive at this course but Billy Grimshaw has once again provided us with his three to follow...
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14:15 York - Lindum York Handicap
Another tricky start to proceedings at York on Thursday comes in the shape of a sprint handicap in which a case can be made for more than half the field. A chance is taken, however, on the old boy EQUILATERAL for the in form Charlie Hills team to bounce right back from a few disappointing runs out in Meydan.
I'm keen to forgive horses when they flop out in Dubai early in the season and we've seen from this lad that he can quickly turn around once faced with optimal conditions. Last season on these shores he really excelled in sprint handicaps, winning three from three, and his mark looks fair for an each-way wager.
There are dangers everywhere you look and I was nervous about the chances of Korker and favourite Clarendon House but will stick with Equilateral at double figures to kick us off.
14:45 York - Oakmere Homes Hambleton Handicap
Another devilish puzzle to solve and it'll certainly take plenty of skill to pick the winner, but one I think may have the flair for the job is the 2022 winner CRYUFF TURN at a tasty enough price. Once again, back him each-way as these races have a habit of being mega bunched finishes with hard luck stories aplenty, but after he tailed off last season I saw plenty to like in his reappearance run at Thirsk last time out.
He may well be the sort of horse who thrives early on in the season and off a mark which looks very exploitable and for a team who clearly know how to target this meeting and this race, he rates the bet in here for my money. Point Lynas rates the danger if he is alert at the start as he can be hard to peg back, while Blue For You is more of a stalking type who I'd also respect.
15:15 York - Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies' Stakes
Two high class fillies clash in this race before the Dante in Free Wind and BLUESTOCKING and I'm siding with the latter named to win this Group 2. Both fillies have an excellent record fresh and the favourite won this contest last season, so clearly enjoys the test, but Bluestocking surely has more scope for improvement and with Rossa Ryan in the plate I think she can go a place better than her close second in last season's Grade 1 fillies and mares on Champion's Day.
Although Free Wind did win this last year she is not the easiest one to get right, and I'd prefer Ralph Beckett's runner at the prices. Ryan Moore is on board the lightly raced Infinite Cosmos for Sir Michael Stoute and she looks sure to be better at four, but has a job on contending with the big two. The rest could spring a surprise if the big three all flop, but that looks unlikely.