York 12th May (Dante Meeting Day 1)

[chris34]

1.40 York Very decent looking handicap to kick the dante meeting off with and the favourite looks hard to oppose despite burdened with a 12lb rise in handicap for a win at newbury when beating the useful elliptical by nearly 4 lengths who followed up with a good 2nd off a 1lb higher mark in big handicap at HQ last week behind Tartan Gigha and on that form has Tartan Gunna covered in my opinion who was about 4 lengths behinf eliptical that day so needs to find 4 lengths out of 12lb could be tough in this race as Forte De Mairi is likely to strip fitter today and come on for the run aswell especially still being lightly raced. None of swinbanks runners can be dismissed at the moment they are in terrific form sitting on 20% strike rate from 20 runners with lsp of +10.33 he runs Saga De Tercey here who was a horse I followed quite keenly last year who was bitterly disappointing when last seen trying his furthest trip yet in the Cesarewitch trial he drops back in trip massively and it has to be interesting as to why he is doing this and at 20/1 he looks worth taking a risk on he won a maiden over 2f further and may still have more to offer being lightly raced. 1pt win Forte De Marmi 9/4 0.25pt e/w saga de tercey 20/1 pp 3.45 York Another brilliant big field handicap which appears to be where I am doing well this season but this does look potentialy a tough one with many of these could have a few ticks besides them. A favourite hasnt won this race since 2000 but nothing over 10/1 has won it either which is interesting considering the competitivness of the race, it also often pays to be near the fore at york so I will be taking the lightly but progressive 8yr old Veloso and the ever consistent Mannlichen. Veloso has been in superb form sincing come back off a 482 day break has won 3 of his 4 starts all on fibresand but his only loss was a very good second on turf, he gets into this race only 2lb higher due to his turf mark being below that of his aw mark currently, he certainly wouldnt want ground drying out much more but is likely to make a bol bid from the front end of the race. Mannlichen is another that races at the fore and is nothing but consistent and still open to improvement having won off a 6lb lower mark last year and has since then remained in form running well when shaping as if a run under his belt wouldnt go amiss last time out should come on for the run and the step up back in trip looks a positive move as he just shapes as an out and out stayer. 0.25pt e/w mannlichen 0.25pt e/w veloso

[fintron]

Re: York 12th May (Dante Meeting Day 1) Can't wait for this meeting, and to make it even better SJ have just sent through the free bet from last months BBOTD freebie (cheers BH :ok) Gonna roll out the cannons with a few doubles and hope to launch a full blown assault on Gibraltar towers :lol 1.40 York A majestic handicap to open proceedings on the Knavesmire and it looks as if Forte Dei Marmi is the one they all have to beat. An emphatic scorer at Newbury last time out, Luca Cumani's son of Selkirk looks a potential pattern grade horse and looks set to improve beyond his current rating of 93, however, at the available prices he looks rather short. With this trip on the sharp side for Saga de Tercey, with the classy Indian Days vulnerable at the top of the handicap, Imposing having fitness to prove and with Red Jade crying out for some rain, CALL IT ON is suggested as a lively outsider. Mark Tompkins is running into some form and always has to be respected when making the long journey north. Fresh from his exertions over hurdles the four year old could go close under the inform Daryll Holland. 2.10 York Summerinthecity finished like a train at Lingfield last time out and the prospect of this longer trip should play right into his hands, especially with Jeremy Noseda's string running so well at present. In a trappy looking race he looks to hold the strongest form chances but with Michael Dods now off the colt list KAPTAIN KIRKUP may be worth another chance at a bigger price. Progressive last term the Captain Rio colt shapes as if this step up in trip will suit and although he disappointed at Newmarket last month he is given a chance to bounce back. 2.40 York The Musidora threw up the classy Sariska last season but Michael Bell lacks a representative here. Aviate has progressed nicely for Henry Cecil and is the only unbeaten filly in the line up but she has stamina to prove and at the short price she is taken on. Cabaret will have his supporters as Aidan O'Brien looks to get over his Guineas flops and Bikini Babe is one of the leading form protaganists after some solid runs out in Dubai, however, Paul Cole speaks highly of PINK SYMPHONY who is open to bundles of improvement now upped in trip. Jamie Spencer rode the winner last season and may be able to bridge what appears to be a unbirdgeable gap on official figures. 3.10 York Aussie speedball Starspangledbanner is a fascinating entrant now on these shores and in the colours of Michael Tabor and Showcasing, who dotted up over course and distance in a weaker race here last season is also respected. Main Aim will be supported for popular connections and Mullionmileanhour is open to more improvement but if INXILE turns up in the same mood as when winning at Doncaster in March, those rivals will be forced to eat dirt. The Dandy Nicholls runner dispelled any doubts over his stamina when winning on Town Moor that day and even on this faster ground he can be effective. He looks well worth a chance in this grade and looks a nice each-way price. 3.45 York Veloso has improved leaps and bounds under Jeremy Glover but this race may represent one step too far and halt his improvement and more likelier winners exist in the shape of the Fonz and MANNICHLEN. The former is yet to score in handicaps so preference is for the latter, who ran well when third at Beverley recently and looks well drawn to command a decent position in this large field. 4.55 York A tough race to close the card and Rigidity may gain compensation for a near miss last time out for Henry Cecil. At a bigger price, THINK ITS ALL OVER may be worth chancing though for Tom Tate. He only had two races last season, winning a maiden at the second time of asking, and although denied off this mark of 75 on his handicap debut at Haydock last month, the prospect of a stronger pace and this step up in trip could see him improve under Jamie Spencer.