Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: York Dante Festival Day 2 Tips
THURSDAY RACING TIPS
York 2.10 – Five-furlong Handicap
These sprints at York are always really tricky so I’ll throw two darts at the board here.
The first is Jm Jungle (6/1) who goes well at the track and ran well on his return at Musselburgh behind American Affair (4/1).
American Affair is clearly very talented but he requires plenty of luck and, if the gaps don’t come for him, he can look an unlucky loser.
Jm Jungle should bowl along on the front end and I thought he was a very solid each-way proposition in what’s clearly a very competitive race.
The other I like the look of is Shagraan (6/1).
He’s got top-weight to overcome but comes into this off a good run at Goodwood and he’s gone well at York before.
That last start should have put him spot for this. I can see him running another big race.
Megan’s Tip: Jm Jungle EW; Shagraan EW
York 2.42 – Hambleton Handicap
Blue For You (7/2 fav) is a worthy favourite here.
We know he loves York and ran a nice race on reappearance at Haydock where he stayed on in eye-catching fashion.
He usually comes on for his first start of the season and he’s back down to what looks a very workable mark of 92.
He’s won off similar marks in the past and has been competitive off higher, so you’ve got to think he’s handicapped to go close here.
If you’re looking for one at an each-way price, La Trinidad (17/2) could be it.
He ran very well on his return at Thirsk where he wasn’t beaten far.
He tends to save his best for these big handicaps and he looks a nice price with that first outing of the season under his belt.
Megan’s Tip: Blue For You WIN; La Trinidad EW
York 3.13 – Middleton Fillies' Stakes
See The Fire (6/4 fav) is the one for me in the Middleton.
She wasn’t beaten far when taking on the boys in the Gordon Richards at Sandown last time where she just looked to get a little tired in the closing stages.
That should set her up nicely for this as she’s a filly that can be a little fresh.
We know she likes York having won the Strensall Stakes last year and she can go in again on the Knavesmire here.
Megan’s Tip: See The Fire WIN
York 3.45 – Dante Stakes
It’s really exciting to see The Lion In Winter (5/6 fav) again.
The way Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore are going at the moment makes him the one to beat and while he’s been off for a while, he’ll surely be ready to go.
His form from last season is very strong, with his Acomb win at this track looking very solid now with Ruling Court, the 2000 Guineas winner, back in third.
He stayed well and I’ve always thought he’d need a trip, so the step up to 10 furlongs will surely play to his strengths.
I can’t wait to see him back and he’s the one to beat as he tunes up for a shot at the Derby.
If you’re looking for a couple at bigger prices, Tuscan Hills (14/1) and Damysus (14/1) could be the way to go.
I know Tuscan Hills is pretty highly-regarded at home and while he needs to step up plenty on what he’s done so far, he’s been good on both starts so far and there’s definitely more to come.
Damysus ran a belter in the Classic Trial at Sandown last time. He’s not big but is very tough.
He’s learning all the time and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him step up massively. I don’t think he’s short of ability and could easily outrun his odds.
Megan’s Tip: The Lion In Winter WIN; Damysus EW
York 4.18 – Westow Stakes
Aesterius (5/4 fav) is another who I’m looking forward to seeing again.
He showed a high level of ability as a two-year-old and was a winner at Group Two level. He was far from disgraced at the Breeders’ Cup too and a track like York should suit him.
Providing he’s trained on, I expect him to be pretty hard to beat under William Buick.
Megan’s Tip: Aesterius WIN
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation