The arrival of the opening day York’s Dante meeting always serves as a reminder that Epsom is around the corner and we might see a few nods toward those big days out sprinkled into the next three days’ action on the Knavesmire.
There are four races being covered by the ITV team, fresh from their BAFTA win, and we’ve got a selection from each of that quartet.
2:20 1m4f (1m3f188y) Sky Bet First Race Special Jorvik Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+)
The promising Hamada is likely to go off favourite for this one, having come back from a lengthy injury absence to win in nice style on the all-weather last time out.
The preference, however, is Andrew Balding’s Contango. He’s lightly raced and should have enough progression left in him to get involved in this. Last month’s disappearance was underwhelming but that can be forgiven on balance as he tackles some slightly more exposed sorts.
2:55 6f Infinity Tyres Handicap (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-105)
A big field handicap that’s not easily solved. Danzeno could be worth siding with for Michael
Appleby. He’s been well tried but this trip and a return to turf can bring out the best of him - he’s not badly treated with conditions set to suit.
Frankie is up and that’s another thing in his favour, for all that a draw in stall 18 isn’t ideal.
3:30 6f Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (3yo+)
The highest-rated sprinter of 2017, Harry Angel, makes his return for Clive Cox in the day’s feature race. He’s odds-on to follow up on a season in which he scored back-to-back Group 1 wins with a winning return.
His handler reports him to be in rude health and he’s hard to oppose, even at his price.
Achallenge could have been offered by Tasleet, who won this last year and was three times second at the highest level. He's been pulled by connections this morning though and so Brando can be offered as an alternative to the jolly.
His return when winning cosily in the Abernant at Newmarket on return was taking and, on his second start of the campaign, he can take another step forward.
4:05 1m2½f (1m2f56y) Tattersalls Musidora Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo)
Rounding off the day’s televised action from the Knavesmire is a contest chock full of fillies with potential.
Ceilidh’s Dream made a lovely reappearance at Newmarket last month for Ralph Beckett, her progress through the field from the back as smooth as silk.
The step up from a mile will suit and she can confirm the promise of that run with Harry Bentley in the plate.
