An exciting week upcoming in the racing world with York’s Dante Festival getting underway on Wednesday for three days of high class action, with more classic contenders bidding to enhance their Oaks and Derby credentials in the Musidora (Wednesday) and the Dante (Thursday) respectively. Plus Saturday features one of my favourite cards of the season at Newbury, highlighted by the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes with some excellent supporting races.
Trainers
- Hugo Palmer – Had 6 winners from just 13 runners last week, operating at a 46% strike rate. Has 1 runner at Windsor on Monday, his White Mocha is also one to note in the Dante as his form was given a boost by Knight To Behold at Lingfield on Saturday.
- Jonathan Portman – Doesn’t often have loads of runners, but was 3 from 3 last week which included a 40/1 winner and a double on Saturday at Lingfield. Has multiple entries at Chepstow on Tuesday and many others throughout the week.
- Aidan O’Brien – Arguably the best in the business is really starting to hit his stride for the season, had 9 winners last week including 3 at Chester’s May Festival. Will come over to York and Newbury with plenty of chances.
Jockeys
- Richard Kingscote – Ended last week on a massive high with a double at Chester on Friday and a treble at Lingfield on Saturday. Live chances at Wolverhampton on Monday.
- Frankie Dettori – Had 4 winners last week, 3 of which were for John Gosden and the pair have good chances at York this week with the likes of Coronet, Crossed Baton and Stradivarius. Worth noting when other trainers book him as well.
- James Doyle – Riding like a man possessed this season, operating at a 29% win strike rate and over 55% of his mounts have been placed. Another 6 winners last week and a further 9 places from 21 rides. Very much a man to keep onside.
Horses
- Harry Angel – Hugely exciting sprinter who won the July Cup and Sprint Cup last season, making his return at York on Wednesday, should take high rank once again.
- Cape Byron – Lightly raced for Roger Varian but has two wins to his name. Holds a Queen Anne entry at Royal Ascot, shows the regard in which he’s held. Could run in the 4.05pm at York on Thursday off a handicap mark of 100, has plenty of potential.
- Desert Frost – Debut winner who’s a brother to Group 2 winner Birchwood, ran a very good 2nd last month conceding lumps of weight, opening handicap mark of 87 looks very workable. Holds entries at Yarmouth on Wednesday and Newmarket on Friday.
- Dash Of Spice – Impressive in Lingfield maiden win, been behind the very progressive Ajman King on two occasions and is on a fair mark of 84. Entered at the bottom of the weights for the 4.05pm York on Friday, still worth keeping track of him if he doesn’t get in.
