York Dante Meeting Day Two Tips: All aboard the Ol' Man River boat for the Dante

I'll leave the puns to others, he lied, but I'm not missing tipping zippy Ol' Man River at 12.011/1 to redeem his reputation in the Dante at 15:15.

OK, he didn't show too much dash when finishing a tailed-off last in the Guineas on his reappearance. But that clearly was too bad to be true, and it is telling that connections are persevering with him in what is quite clearly the best Derby trial, by some distance, this season.

I was told by an informed source that big things weren't necessarily expected of him at Newmarket, as he was thought more of a Derby horse than a miler - as befits a Montjeu colt who won twice over 1m as a juvenile, even if the dam was a certain Finsceal Beo - so I was very surprised by the weight of money for him on Betfair that day.

As it turned out, it was sorely misplaced. But recent history has told us never to write off an Aidan O'Brien horse that has run dismally in the 2000.

Power went off at 7/1 when only beating one home in 2012, and he won the Irish 2,000 Guineas on his next start. And Roderic O'Connor also won at the Curragh straight after being beaten the small matter of 38 lengths by Frankel a year earlier.

And plenty of others down the years, such as Derby runner-up Eagle Mountain, improved markedly on their Newmarket form second time up.

It could be a measure of Coolmore's desperation to strengthen their relatively weak Epsom hand by running him here. But I don't think that is how they operate, and I'd be more inclined to conclude that the consideration that Joseph showed when looking out for the selection at Newmarket has borne fruit at home since.

Clearly, it is a leap of faith in such a strong trial - though I don't fancy Elm Park one bit - but at the price I will take my chances. It is also interesting that O'Brien has indicated that 1m2f may be his best trip, too.


There will be plenty willing to give my old mate Fort Bastion another chance in the 15:45, as no-one would have missed the "promise" of his comeback run at Thirsk.

He could sluice up here off a mark of 95 but he has had too many chances, and I think Cape Rosso at 11.010/1 could put a smile on Tom Dascombe's face.

I say that because he sounded a bit downbeat in a recent Racing Post stable tour, despite a couple of winners at his beloved Chester.

Capo Rosso may well have posted a career-best when second at Haydock last time and remains fairly handicapped off a 1lb higher mark here, and this prominent racer could prove hard to rein in on his favoured fast ground - I am assuming it will be quick by race-time - if getting to the front early doors.

I tipped Out Do in the 6f handicap on Wednesday, only for him to be withdrawn, presumably in favour of taking in the 5f contest at 14:10.

I obviously think he has chances in this, even if he has never raced over 5f - he doesn't look short on toe - but I'm deserting him here for Ladweb at 17.016/1.

I would have taken a chance on old stager Judge 'n Jury had there been some cut in the ground but Ladweb gets the vote, even if his trainer John Gallagher reckons that horse is best in the soft. The facts are that he has won on fast ground, though, and he looks versatile on that score.

He is ridden by a very capable 3lb claimer in Shane Gray, who has been entrusted with some good horses this season, notably Tryster and Realize, and has not been found wanting.

And in Ladweb he is sitting on a horse who travelled really well for a long way at Goodwood earlier this month, and the handicapper has been generous in dropping him 1lb for that run.

He took a couple of runs to hit winning form last season and here is hoping for the same again, and Gallagher's string look to be hitting some form, too.

The Middleton Stakes at 14:40 is a cracking contest and I was looking to side with Bragging until the usual obstacle got in the way. The price.

I thought Betfair Ambassador Ryan Moore gave her a brilliant ride to win the Dahlia Stakes on her reappearance, doing just enough without giving her a hard race. And everyone knows what a master Sir Michael Stoute is at progressing these older horses and fillies.

But odds of around 9/4 fully factor in all the above, and she takes on far better fillies and mares here, some of which boast Group 1 form, so I can't side with her.

I was half-tempted by Talmada at the price but, if in doubt, 'no bet' has to be the call.

Channel 4 also throw in the 14:55 from Salisbury but a six-runner fillies handicap in which all are unexposed, and half of the field are making their reappearances, is not for me thanks.

Recommended Bets
Back Ladweb at 17.016/1 in the 14:10 at York
Back Ol' Man River at 12.011/1 in the 15:15 at York
Back Capo Rosso at 11.010/1 in the 15:45 at York