Harry Angel’s reemergence was the big story of the first day of York’s Dante meeting and Clive Cox’s horse, named the best sprinter in the world last year, got the job done in the Duke of York Stakes.
Kevin Ryan’s Brando pushed the 4/9f to the pin of his colour and will surely have given odds-on backers a fright, but should improve for his seasonal debut.
Onto the second day of action on the Knavesmire and, once more, we’ve got action being broadcast live on ITV Racing and a tip for each race they’re screening.
2:20 - 5f Betfred "Supports Jack Berry House" Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-105)
A big field sprint handicap kicks things off.
El Astronaute is a likeable operator in this sphere, showing all his customary gusto when overcoming a wide draw to place at Chester last week.
As consistent as he is, he’s a stand-out each-way poke at a double-figure with place concessions knocking about.
2:40 - 1m2f (1m1f201y) Smith & Williamson British EBF Fillies' Handicap (Class 3) (3yo 0-90)
We leave Yorkshire to skip down to Salisbury for just the one race. Fayrouz Rose is a filly with promise, winning twice on her two visits to the racecourse. She shoulders top weight but is racing against mostly more exposed types and can defy that burden on her handicap bow for Richard Hughes.
2:55 - 1m2½f (1m2f56y) Betfred Middleton Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (4yo+)
Ribblesdale winner Coronet was striking when winning that prize at Newmarket last term and was consistent at the very highest level after that.
The step back to this more manageable level can get her back on a winning thread for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori despite concerns over this shorter trip.
3:30 - 1m2½f (1m2f56y) Betfred Dante Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (3yo)
Roaring Lion makes his third start of the campaign following an underwhelming showing on debut and a somewhat better fifth-placed run in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
He’s the market favourite for this one but might be worth taking on.
Wells Farrh Go won twice at two, both at this course, and this lightly-raced sort wouldn’t have to take an enormous step forward to get involved here if ready to roll on return.
Mick Easterby’s charge is attractively priced and fitness is worth chancing with that considered.
16:05 - 1m (7f192y) Betfred TV Hambleton Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+)
A handicap rounds things up as far as the TV coverage is concerned.
Larchmont Lad has run with credit in better company than this and hasn’t been too harshly treated by the assessor on handicap company.
He’s of each-way interest, the preference, though, is for Cape Byron. Far from disgraced when midfield behind Benbatl in Group Company in Dubai last, he’s got more up his sleeve for the Varian/Atzeni combination.
