One of the iconic races of the York May meeting, the Dante 2012 has attracted a field of only 7 runners for the 2000m G2 3yo contest.
The O'Brien stables has been all-conquering of late and it looks like their Ernest Hemingway, while notas experienced as some of his competitors, may have an edge over them. He's on 4/1 together with Ektihaan. In the early UK betting Bonfire is on top at 2/1 followed by former French runner now with Godolphin, Mandaean.
The Middleton for the fillies is also G2 over the same trip and 11 4yo+ f&m will line up. Izzi Top has won on resuming this year and should be fitter for that and enjoy this trip better. She's on 3/1 with I'm A Dreamer and The Queen's Set to Music both on 5/1. John Dunlop's Beatrice Aurora is also handy and looks value on 8/1.
On Friday the Yorkshire Cup G2 over 2800m has 8 runners. Harris Tweed is on 2/1 after his seasonal debut win at Newbury. Red Cadeaux was second in last year's Melbourne Cup and is 11/4. Arctic Cosmo had a strange run last outing but must be over whatever was wrong with him as he's here and on 4/1.
Wednesday saw a very nice win from The Fugue who showed a nice turn of foot when asked and after sitting on the rail for most of the race got through a gap and found plenty. Favourite Twirl looked a bit flat footed in comparison and Esentepe at 20/1 ran third.
The Duke of York G2 over the 1200m saw a very tight finish in which 25/1 shot Tiddlewinks beat The Cheka by a head with Society Rock a neck away in third. The Australian-bred Soul (x Commands) was having his second start after winning on debut and had early pace but got swamped by the placegetters in the final 50m. Looks to be one worth following.
