ITV Racing Tips: Three To Back On Final Day Of Dante Meeting
The Dante Festival comes to a close at York on Friday, with another competitive card on the Knavesmire anticipated. For the last time this week Billy Grimshaw is on hand to provide his best bets, having found a winner in Bluestocking on Thursday...
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14:45 York - Knights Solicitors Handicap
The first race broadcast on ITV Racing from York is the 14:15, a two year old fillies contest in which I had no strong opinion.\ It was a similar story for the sole Newbury race set to be broadcast at 14:30, but in the 14:45 back at York I'm keen to keep EILEAN DUBH on side.
His form figures don't inspire much confidence but I've always thought Karl Burke's charge would relish a slight step up in trip and at a course he likes, he gets that opportunity here. He looks fairly weighted so for all that I respect the favourite Botanical and can see why he is such a short price, at nearly quadruple the odds I'd rather be with Burke's runner each-way.
15:15 York - Sky Bet Fillies' Stakes
I'd be surprised if we have got to the bottom of Ryan Moore's mount BOLSENA yet and after a win with plenty in hand a month ago at Newmarket, she is chanced to continue her progress for Kevin Ryan on the Knavesmire. She had been a shade disappointing before that last win but has had excuses in most of her poor runs and now she has shed the maiden tag she could well take this step up in class in her stride.
The one I'll be cursing most if it goes and wins is Bellarchi, who I toyed with putting up as a second pick in the race. Grant Tuer's charge won just six days ago and like he pick Bolsena she had something to spare in victory, but I do think there is more upside in our choice Bolsena so will play her as a simple win only bet.
15:45 York - Yorkshire Cup
Vauban adds plenty of intrigue to this year's Yorkshire Cup and if Willie Mullins' flat season is anything like his jumps campaign just gone, the horse who cruise home here, but I am sweet on favourite TOWER OF LONDON and think he should take all the beating here for Aidan O'Brien.
The master of Ballydoyle has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to stayers - Kyprios is now back fit and firing as well as this lad - and this could be Tower Of London's final prep run before heading to the Ascot Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. After winning in the Middle East over the winter he has a penalty in this race which won't help, but he has looked a real classy type in recent runs and I think he can bag this prestigious prize on the road to further glories.