York Dante Festival Day 1 Tips
Racing returns to York's Knavesmire on Wednesday afternoon for their first meeting of the Flat season.
The Musidora takes centre stage, a key Oaks trial that has thrown up recent winners at Epsom and it's part of a seven-race card.
We have selections and analysis for all seven races from York on day one, including some recent course winners who could go well again.
13:45 York - Novice Stakes
Experience can be a key factor at this time of the season for the juveniles and the one of these that has had a run is Spectacular Driver.
He shaped with some promise on his debut in a Pontefract maiden when only beaten roughly a length and Tim Easterby's horses often come on markedly from their initial outings.
Selection: Spectacular Driver
14:20 York - Jorvik Handicap
Will Scarlet was impressive when making all at Meydan when last seen and front-runners can be at an advantage over this course and distance.
Simon and Ed Crisford's charge has untapped potential at 1m4f and, with William Buick riding for the first time, he could take some pegging back from a handy enough draw in stall seven.
Selection: Will Scarlet
14:55 York - Churchill Tyres Handicap
A case can be made for plenty of the field in the 22-runner sprint handicap, but one who looks capable of a big run is Strike Red who got his head back in front last time out.
He looked like good value for the winning margin when winning at Leicester and a 3lb rise probably underestimates that performance. With York form in the book (two-time C&D winner), he has solid claims of going back-to-back.
Selection: Strike Red
15:30 York - Minster Stakes
This can go the way of American Affair who was successful at Group 1 level at the Royal meeting when last seen.
He doesn't have a penalty to carry for that win, has an excellent record fresh and the yard have been banging in the winners over the last few weeks so he looks set for a big run.
Selection: American Affair
16:05 York - Musidora Stakes
It's hard to get away from Legacy Link who looked like a really smart prospect as a juvenile.
Her fourth in the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket at the end of the campaign is a piece of form that has worked out very nicely since and she gives the impression there will be even more to come over middle distances.
Selection: Legacy Link
16:40 York - Handicap
Having been unlucky in his last couple of starts, The Resdev Scholar makes some appeal.
He rattled off a hat-trick last season and has been unlucky in a couple of starts this campaign. From the same handicap mark, he looks capable of outrunning his odds.
Selection: The Resdev Scholar
17:15 York - Handicap
After two solid runs already this campaign, Mafting looks like the one to beat.
He was good value for the winning margin on his seasonal reappearance at Redcar and was a shade unlucky back at this trip when runner-up last time out.
Selection: Mafting
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
