York's Dante Meeting - Friday: Day Three

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We shall leave the Derby and Oaks Trials alone because they generally turn out to be messy affairs, with muddling paces, and often results that don’t bare a true reflection of the race. I much prefer the long distance races, especially around the likes of Pontefract, Doncaster and indeed York, where a nice flat track and long straight gives the horse every chance, if indeed good enough.


The mile and a half handicap looks a cracker, and although I fancy both Martin Chuzzlewit, who ran well over course and distance here last year, and Sir John Hawkwood, who was impressive at Chester, I’ve turned to a trusty veteran. CRACKENTORP won here over course and distance last year on the back of a season opener, and can repeat the feat here once more. The eight year old ran in The Old Borough Cup and The Ebor on ground far too quick, and with heavy downpours on its way, the ground could come up perfect for the Tim Easterby charge. He is now 1lb higher than winning here last year, a nice bonus.


Similarly with the Yorkshire Cup, that has brought a tremendous renewal once again. Joshua Tree won The Canadian International last year, and carries a penalty along with Irish Leger winner Royal Diamond. The Godolphin stalwart Cavalryman won The Dubai Gold Cup and has good form over course and distance, but may not get his ideal quick ground. Guarantee failed to settle last time out in The John Porter Stakes, but may be another proposition here with a run under his belt. He looks the main danger to SIR GRAHAM WADE who was incredibly progressive last year over the staying trips, and put in a terrific third last month to Estimate at Ascot under Kieren Fallon. She looks Gold Cup bound, and he showed last season that the colt gets better with runs throughout the season. It could be a day full of local connections in the York winner’s enclosure.


On his two runs back this season, The Art of Racing has progressed nicely, and kept on gamely to win a five furlong Ripon handicap by a head under Harry Bentley, and the son of Acclamation may go under the radar with Jamie Spencer elsewhere on Satsuma. The trainer is in form, and only up 3lb for his latest win, could potentially be a very well handicapped animal. If the ground were to seriously dry up, Moviesta would be very respected.


Good speech looks very well handicapped in the finale, a mile and a half handicap at York, who put in a career best last time out at Pontefract. He has improved buckets since being upped in trip, and would have won last time out, but for an inspired Paul Mulrennan on Lion Beacon. He is now jocked up, and goes off the same mark. The cut should help, and the filly shows a game attitude, needed in a race of this open nature.


2.15 York – Crackentorp
2.45 York – Sir Graham Wade
3.50 York – The Art of Racing
5.00 York – Good Speech


The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports