Two Selections for the York Dante Festival 2017

The York Dante meeting is a three-day festival which runs from Wednesday 17^th May to Friday 19^th May this year and frequently sees top class horses having their first run of the season. Featuring winners in the past such as Midday, Society Rock and future Derby Winner Golden Horn to name but a few. The Dante meeting usually offers plenty of clues for the season ahead and again looks set to be a fascinating three days. I’ve selected a couple of horses who, if they do turn up, will be strong fancies.

Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (Group 2) - 6f

One of the feature races on day one of the Dante Festival is the Duke of York Stakes which last year saw a strong field go to post which was led home by Magical Memory. This year’s renewal looks likely to be equally as competitive and a horse who will have a great chance if he lines up is the Kevin Ryan trained Brando. He progressed steadily last season posting some decent efforts, most notably winning the Ayr Gold Cup carrying top weight before going on to finish a length behind The Tin Man at Ascot on Champions Day.  The Tin Man is a potential runner in this race as well but there’s reason to believe Brando can reverse the form with that rival in this race. Brando has had the benefit of a run already this season (which The Tin Man hasn’t) which was a win in a Group 3 at Newmarket and that should have put him spot on for this race. Six furlongs looks his optimum trip, further improvement is likely to come and I expect connections will have had this race in mind for some time.

Selection: Brando

Betfred Middleton Stakes (Group 2) - 1m2½f

Judging by potential entries, this year’s renewal of the Middleton Stakes looks set to be an intriguing one.  Although it’s unlikely that the John Gosden trained Journey won’t run in this race like he did last year as he is being aimed at the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June instead according to connections, Gosden is likely to run the filly So Mi Dar. She looked slightly unlucky to lose her unbeaten record at the end of last season when finishing third in a Group 1 at Chantilly but had previously made it four wins from four runs with one of those wins being in the Musidora Stakes at this meeting. Although she tended to race keenly in her races last season, she impressively beat some promising horses and the form of each of her wins has worked out well. Held in high regard, she could potentially turn into a high-class filly this season and is expected to go close.

Selection: So Mi Dar

Four Horses To Follow for the 2017 Flat Season

Four Horses To Follow for the Flat Season

Swiss Storm – David Elsworth

Far too green for his own good at Haydock on his racecourse debut where he went off a well backed favourite. Quickly made amends for that at Newbury next time out though where he still ran green and pulled hard during the race (and on the way to post) but ran out a comfortable winner in the end. Didn’t post the best time in the world that day nor has the form really been franked but still looked in need of the experience. Holds an entry in the 2000 Guineas and there should be plenty more to come from this son of Frankel this season.

Harry Angel – Clive Cox

Already a winner of a Group 2, Harry Angel created a big impression in two starts last season. Looked unlucky not to win on his debut at Ascot, running on well late on after pulling hard early. Bolted up in a Group 2 on his next start (again pulled hard) and the form of that race has worked out well. Clearly held in high regard, the 2000 Guineas could well be the target for him but he looks to have plenty of speed so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was kept over sprint distances throughout the season.

To Be Wild – Hugo Palmer

Ran a promising race in a hot Newmarket maiden and clearly picked up a problem or two as he wasn’t seen for over 300 days after. Readily won a maiden on his comeback run and then bolted up afterwards in a handicap at Doncaster off a mark of 93. He’s clearly had his problems as he’s a four-year-old who’s only run three times in his career but looks to be going places and can continue the progression this season providing he stays injury free.

New Caledonia – Mark Johnston

Has gradually improved throughout his career and the step up in trip to 1m4f clearly helped last season. Finished a good second to Scarlet Dragon (who improved dramatically last season) in a competitive handicap on his last start. There should more improvement left in New Caledonia over 1m4f or further this season and is likely to remain competitive in similar handicaps.