York tips, racecards, declarations and previews for the meeting live on ITV and Racing TV this Wednesday, May 15
THE Dante Festival kicks off at York on Wednesday and the card is an absolute ripper.
We’ve trawled through the form and put together a race-by-race preview to help you find those all important winners.
Race 1 – 1.50 Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Jorvik Handicap
The gelding operation has been the making of CRYSTAL KING.
The well-bred four-year-old readily accounted for a smart horse over this trip at Wolverhampton last time.
He is progressing at a rate of knots and can bring up the hat-trick at the chief expense of Fujaira Prince who boasts a similar profile.
First Eleven and Corgi bring smart form to the table, while Caliburn could go well at a price on his first start for Andrew Balding.
VERDICT: 1. Crystal King 2. Fujaira Prince 3. First Eleven
Race 2 – 2.25 Infinity Tyres Handicap
An absolute minefield of a race for punters, but it could pay to side with ARECIBO.
David O’Meara’s French recruit was midfield in a hot handicap at Ripon on his British bow, but he had excuses that day and possibly needed the run.
He has been dropped a few pounds, is fitted with first-time cheekpieces and should get a strong pace to aim at.
Reputation won that race at Ripon and he looks sure to go well in his follow-up bid, while the likes of Vibrant Chords, Aljady and Staxton head a long list of dangers.
VERDICT: 1. Arecibo 2. Reputation 3. Vibrant Chords
Race 3 – 3.00 Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (Group 2)
INVINCIBLE ARMY got his season off to the perfect start with a ready win in the Cammidge on his return at Doncaster.
This has been the target ever since and there is a suspicion he is better than ever this term.
Dear old Brando was second to Harry Angel in this contest 12 months ago and he shaped with promise on his reappearance in the Abernant at Newmarket.
He is a big danger, as is Yafta, who was narrowly ahead of Brando at HQ, and Limato who should get his ground.
Hey Jonesy could run well at a price and should win a big pot this season.
VERDICT: 1. Invincible Army 2. Brando 3. Yafta
Race 4 – 3.35 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes (Group 3)
It was hard not to be impressed with SPARKLE ROLL on her return to action at Sandown.
The giant filly defied a penalty in fine fashion when accounting for some useful rivals at the Esher track.
There should be plenty more to come from the daughter of Kingman, and she gets the nod ahead of Frankellina.
William Haggas opted to run his filly here rather than at Lingfield and she should relish the step up from 1m.
Sand Share ran well in Group company last season and is the pick of the remainder.
VERDICT: 1. Sparkle Roll 2. Frankellina 3. Sand Share
Race 5 – 4.05 Conundrum Rowing For Christian Hobbs Gym Handicap
He has a tricky draw to overcome, but BREATH OF AIR could be worth chancing.
The Charles Hills-trained colt was denied a clear run when fifth in a hot handicap at Newmarket and he should relish this step up to 7f.
The Night Watch is another who shaped with promise on his return to action, while Godolphin’s Space Blues looks sure to play a part.
VERDICT: 1. Breath Of Air 2. The Night Watch 3. Space Blues
Race 6 – 4.35 British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes
The market will prove informative here, but BOMB PROOF should run well on debut.
He makes plenty of appeal on paper and the booking of Frankie Dettori (26% strike rate for the yard) is a statement of intent.
Pontefract winner Kidda will take advantage if the selection is caught out by a lack of experience, while Sun Power is another newcomer to note.
VERDICT: 1. Bomb Proof 2. Kidda 3. Sun Power
Race 7 – 5.05 Lindum Construction Group Handicap
Four-year-old’s have won this race for the last four years and GET BACK GET BACK is fancied to make it five in a row.
Clive Cox’s progressive gelding won in good style in a big field at Doncaster and a 5lb rise could prove lenient.
Starcaster and Addis Ababa are the pick of the opposition.
VERDICT: 1. Get Back Get Back 2. Starcaster 3. Addis Ababa