The opening day of the York Dante meeting proved tough going with That Is The Spirit saving our bacon in the 3.50. Regardez did finish in front of Cambridge but was only good enough to take third in the Musidora, a race which looked anything but an Oaks trial.
The Dante does not look likely to have much impact on the Derby picture unless something wins by a street. The prime candidate to do that is True Story, the mount of Keiren Fallon. The form of the Feilden Stakes is patchy and I was very disappointed with Somewhat at Chester last week. Even so, he did win by seven lengths so he is entitled to be hot favourite here.
You could argue that Arod has similar credentials in that he pulled hard but still won easily at Windsor. However, he beat little and this is a shot in the dark. Bunker’s form received a boost with the French Guineas last weekend and he is not out of it, although the Hannon horses seem to need a run so far this season. The only sensible policy is to sit this one out.
For my main bet on the card I’m going for the unlucky Spring Cup runner-up Spa’s Dancer in the Hambleton Handicap. At seven-years-old he is not likely to be improving but he may well have caught Gabrial’s Kaka at Newbury with a clear run. Haggas throws a spanner in the works with the un-raced pair Queensberry Rules and Fury, either of whom could win on their best form.
The Middleton Stakes is also a bit of a puzzle. I was a keen supporter of The Lark last season and took 33-1 each-way in the Oaks (third) and backed her to win at Doncaster. She has a liking for soft ground but this looks on the sharp side first time out.
Secret Gesture may have been flattered by her 10 lengths Lingfield Oaks Trial win last season and her second at Epsom may have been as good as she is. Thistle Bird is probably the form choice but has not run this season while Gifted Girl may step up on her Newmarket third. It’s a tricky one but we’ll side with Gifted Girl at an each-way price.
I would probably have as much chance of finding the winner of the opening sprint with a sharp pin but Top Boy ran well enough at Chester to warrant support.
Top Boy 1.45 York at 12-1 Bet365
Gifted Girl 2.15 York at 6-1 Paddy Power
Spa’s Dancer 3.15 York at 13-2 Totesport
