Today's Horse Racing Tips: Dragon to roar to Nunthorpe glory

Despite his wide draw, I was really surprised to see yesterday’s selection, Ametist, dropped right in at the back of the field, especially as he was sure to be suited by the greater test of stamina. As a result, he was never involved in the race and finished well beaten. Very disappointing! 

There is one bet for today’s racing at York.

York Tip

15:35 – 5f Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1)  

Having tipped her up at Goodwood, I have thought long and hard about backing Suesa again today. She was brilliant last time out, but I am a little concerned about faster ground and her high draw. Based on that, I feel she is a little short in the betting today.

The most likely winner of the race looks to be the American challenger Golden Pal. He has shown blistering speed and won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in November before a very pleasing return to the track 36 days ago. Again though, I don’t feel his price represents good value in such a competitive Group 1.

Slight preference is therefore for another classy three-year-old: DRAGON SYMBOL (NAP - 1 point win bet at 9/2). Archie Watson’s star sprinter was unlucky not to have gone to the July Cup defending an unbeaten record following agonising defeats at Haydock (beaten by a nose) and Ascot (first past the post but then placed second). Second to Starman at Newmarket, he lost nothing in defeat and then finished second to Suesa at Goodwood on his return to the minimum trip. He can reverse that form today with faster ground being the key factor to this horse’s chances. He has the ideal draw in stall 2 as it will allow him to track the American pacesetter (drawn in stall 1) before making use of his proven stamina for further.

This admirably consistent grey is yet to finish out of the first two places in his eight-race career to date, and it will mean a lot to Oisin Murphy to register a big win aboard this horse after losing the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup in the Stewards’ Room.

Winter Power completes the shortlist, but she hasn’t been missed by the bookmakers either.