The Dante Stakes (2.40) is the centrepiece of the York card tomorrow and presents a less than straightforward puzzle as a case can be made for all 10 participants.
J Murtagh has chosen to ride Freemantle rather than Black Bear Island and although jockeys get these things wrong sometimes, Chester being a case in point for Johnny Murtagh, I am inclined to favour Freemantle of the pair.
Freemantle was 3rd on his debut in a maiden at The Curragh where Black Bear Island was runner up, and subsequent Guineas winner Sea the Stars 4th. The trip should be within Freemantle’s compass and he looks a serious contender. Neeham could be an interesting outsider as he comes into the race with an unblemished 100% record. He defeated Monitor Closely at Newmarket and the runner up then finished 8th in the Guineas. Neither are out of contention here with the longer trip likely to suit the Peter Chapple-Hyam colt. Kite Wood is reported to have done well over the winter. He won his last two races in 2008 and the trip shouldn’t prove a problem. Crowded House was a hugely impressive winner of the Racing Post Trophy and it is difficult to knock his credentials. He has shown a devastating turn of foot to win at Doncaster and if reproducing that sort of form he will take all the beating. He is the selection.
Selections at other meetings;
Newmarket 6.50 Twisted (ew); 8.00 Four Winds (danger – On Our Way); Salisbury 1.50 Aromatic (danger – You Say I Say); 4.00 Ben’s Dream (ew)
ahorse 