Fallon can seal return to the big time in Dante Stakes
Published:The C4 cameras remain for the second day of York’s Dante meeting with the highlight of the two cards the subject for our NAP selection. We also attempt to solve the Middleton Stakes and the big handicap in the opener.
NAP – True Story – 2:45 York
Kieren Fallon’s new retainer with Godolphin has put the six-time Champion Jockey back in the big time and he looks certain to repay the faith aboard their leading Derby hope True Story.
Silvestre de Sousa will understandably be feeling hard dumb by after partnering the son of Manduro to his runaway victory at Newmarket last month but as the man who replaces him demonstrated yesterday in the Musidora it’s a switch that is difficult to argue with considering Fallon’s record at Epsom.
In the meantime this looks another perfect stepping stone for the big one in June and although Frankie Detorri has been waxing lyrical about ante-post Derby rival Bunker, the selection could prove a cut above the Italian’s ride.
Next Best – Ballesteros – 1:45 York
Richard Fahey has ruled the roost on the Knavesmire for the majority of the last decade and he could be making the familiar walk back to the winners’ enclosure courtesy of Ballesteros.
Dr Marwan Koukash’s charge hasn’t collected maximum prize money since winning at the Chester meeting two years ago and despite some disappointing efforts since he should not be written off.
Although fifth on his seasonal reappearance the son of Tomba was only beaten two and three quarter lengths at Newbury and this contest has clearly been the main target.
There is no shortage of viable alternatives in the race, such is the nature of it, however, it would be no surprise to see the horse come good again at a track his handler excels at.
Lively Longshot – The Lark – 2:15
After yesterday’s selection in this category, Clever Cookie, delivered the goods we’re confident of following-up and the horse charged with this responsibility is The Lark.
Michael Bell’s four-year-old came third in the Oaks last year and although she has three quarters of a length to find with the runner-up that day, Secret Gesture, she, could be worth chancing to bridge the gap.
After disappointing in her next run after Epsom at Salisbury, the daughter of Pivotal bounced back in good style to win the Park Hill Group 2 at Doncaster and a reproduction of that form should see her reach the frame at least.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets
