Thursday 17th May -

Day 2 of the York Dante festival, and it's the featurepiece today. An interesting race and I'll go into it further down the page. Firstly I'll put up the rated races, only 4 today, that was lovely. We managed a forecast and a few winners yesterday. Loads of 1st and 3rd or 2nd and 3rd on the cfc/ctc so we are piling the pressure on but just hitting the bar.

As only 4 races all 4 make up the Each Way Lucky 15, so I'll just mark my NAP. No requirement for bold type, that'll save me pressing ctrl+B. Lol.

PERTH

355 SOTOVIK (NAP) (3/2/6)
430 SIR TANTALLUS HAWK (NB) (7/5/8)

SALISBURY

420 ROYAL REYAH (1/9/4)
455 LOVE TALE (3/8/6)

Then a look at York and a race from HQ + 2 from Ludlow tonight.

YORK

130 STEPS / DOCTOR PARKES
I've taken 2 against the field as 16 are decd to run, most likely will only be 15 to post though as Secret Witness won here yesterday. Steps finally fulfilled his potential with a feature handicap win at Goodwood back end of last season, the second that day has won again, wink wink, he may well have needed the first run this year and hopefully that will have blown out any cobwebs. Doctor Parkes is another who is generally consistent and has the benefit of a run this year. Should be in the mix.

200 SET TO MUSIC
It's hard to dislike this filly, owned by Her Majesty the Queen. She's 4 wins and 3 places from 9 starts, neither unplaced effort were under todays jockey. She is 3/3 over the trip and 1/1 here at York. She has had 1 tilt in Group 2 company and came a very respectable second over what looked to be slighty to far. Obviously there are dangers all over the show in this race. Izzi Top won at Newmarket giving away weight and comes here on level terms, I'm a dreamer came second in a very valuable group 1 in Canada last time out, Sajhaa was second in this last year under a very good ride from Frankie, Timepiece will no doubt be better than she was at Newmarket, Beatrice Aurore was an eyecatching third on first run this year at the Craven meeting, Barefoot Lady was a consistent Group performer last year and is game as they come, and Sea of Heartbreak, not only is a group 2 winner but her jockey is in tremendous form. So you can back what you like and you have a chance if they run to their best, but I'm with Micheal Bell, Jamie Spencer and Her Majesty here.

230 EKTIHAAM
In this there are 2 unbeaten horses, Mandaean landed 2 spins n France as a 2yo and Godolphin have chosen to campaign him over here this season. Ernest Hemingway won very nicely on debut, only worry is that form not standing up as yet. Fencing is a horse I like a lot, Go team Street Cry. I'm not sure if he's as good as he has promised though, he's had a couple of chances to prove it. Although on breeding the trip here should be perfect. Ektihaam was one last year that really looked an exciting prospect until completely blowing out when stepped up to group company in the Dewhurst. He came last. He has the benefit of a run this year and a very impressive win too. 5 lengths clear of another well regarded colt. I think he and Fencing are value against the hype Bonfire.

300 BEZIQUE
This one could be a very useful recruit for Luca Cumani, looking a decent prospect in Italy before a disappointing run in their Guineas. This is a trappy race where the never to win again Fury came up highly rated, so I think this is worth a tentative pound or two. We could see a "shock" here with a fair bit of hype at the top of the market.

335 PEARL SECRET
This is another stepping stone for this horse on his way to winning the July Cup. I'm unsure how 5/6 is still available, i believe it was even a ridiculous 11/10 for the minutest of moments last night. Last time out could have won by a street, he just travelled along on the bridle, Jamie Spencer gave him a little shake to go on when he came alongside and he just cantered away, the second that day should have won next time out, but for some poor tactics. The only worrys are that his form hasn't had a huge frank, although plenty of winners out of maiden, and if he has anything off the bridle, that being said I'm not she we'll find that out until the July Cup. I put all my bets on this morning, then put the rest of my account on this one. Good Luck.

NEWMARKET
 805 STARBOARD
A very well regarded colt done it nicely last time out, comes here seriously unexposed compared to the 2 realistic rivals and should do this nicely before going onto bigger and better things.

LUDLOW

640 PILGRIMS LANE
Looks to have a nice each way chance for progressive Trainer/Jockey combo. Cheekpieces are back on after a couple of poor jumping rounds, but is a C&D winner.

745 WIESENTRAUM
Trip and Ground are perfect for this one, eyecatching jockey booking of the man pushing AP at the top of the table at the moment, Aidan Coleman. This is only his second ride for the yard. Poor run last time appears to be blamed on the headgear as it has been removed. Another cracking each way chance at double figure odds.

FOOTBALL

Just one small bet today
MJALLBY are in decent form at the moment and look overpriced at home to Gothenberg.

Good Luck and Happy Punting.