The good racing in May continues with the Dante meeting at York on Thursday and after some good racing on the opening day of the festival we are set for plenty more of the same on the middle day of it with the Dante itself the feature race of the day.
With just seven runners going to post though that isn’t really the best betting proposition so we are taking our money to a couple of the handicap races which open up what should be a decent day of action.
2.15 York
Preview
The opener on Day 2 of the Dante meeting is a ultra competitive 5 furlong handicap with a field of 18 going into battle. Yesterday suggested they were coming down the middle but in a few races, they edged over towards the far side which makes me marginally wary of a very high draw. Richard Fahey saddles the favourite in the shape of Marine Wave but I’m not convinced by her 1 win from 11 starts record or her failure to get her head in front when in contention several times last term. That said, she should go well off a competitive mark. Clarendon House should go well & you can never dismiss course specialist, the veteran Copper Knight who will give it a good go from the front.
Betting
However, I’m siding with Wen Moon who had a pretty productive 3 year old campaign, winning twice & finishing second twice from 9 starts. Among those runs was a 3-race go here over course & distance where he finished 2nd of 17, a neck 2nd of 19 and 1st of 12. Not only did that prove his liking for the track, he also showed he relished a big field scenario that he’ll get here. He started this season off well at Pontefract when fitness just got the better of him but disappointed last time out when he hung badly left. If he can fix that, he should go well especially with the jockey who has won & been second on him back on board. A low draw in 3 will help, as well an easing mark plus any rain that falls. A massive each way chance in a tough opener.
Tips
Back Wen Moon (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 10.00 Paddy Power (⅕ odds 1-6)
Special Offer
Open up a Boylesports account during the flat season and bet £10 on any race to get £20 in bonuses! Click the image below to take advantage of this fantastic offer! 18+ T&Cs apply Gamble Aware.
2.45 York
Preview
Always one of the toughest handicaps of the early part of the season, the Hambleton has attracted a field of 19 over a turning mile. Dutch Decoy has been running well for Charlie Johnston, finishing second on his last 2 starts but a 2lb rise in the handicap is offputting in such a race as this, whilst Point Lynas is another with a touch of seconditis although he does go very well here & deserves a change of luck. Navagio could go well if his Spring Cup disappointment is overlooked & Al Mubhir is a classy type who might need some luck from the inside stall.
Betting
It’s hard to leave the consistent Northern Express out of calculations. He loves York, winning 3 times for 13 starts & finishing second on a further 3 occasions. In fact, over the last 12 months at this track, he’s finished 3rd of 16 (off 95), 1st of 8 (off 99), 5th of 19 (off 101) & 2nd of 12 (off 102). That’s some serious solid form in really competitive handicaps & he races here off an appealing mark of 100. Add to that form at other tracks in the last 12 months of 3rd of 29 (97) & 4th of 25 (102), both at Ascot, & you can see how this big field should play to his strengths. This year’s form hasn’t been as good but he’ll be primed for this, you can be sure. Whilst he ran well on reappearance at Newmarket, he disappointed in the Thirsk Hunt Cup. That effort needs forgiving & he’s a horse that often bounces back very quickly. Draw can play a part here, so I’m more than happy he can get a good early position from his 9 box and with so much in his favour, I fancy him to be troubling the judge in a really good looking handicap.
Tips
Back Northern Express (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 10.00 William Hill (⅕ odds 1-5)
Back it here:
