We kick off proceedings in a typically competitive renewal of the opening sprint handicap (13:45) over five furlongs where the vote goes to Ashpan Sam. He put together a string of fine runs in the second half of last season, including wins at Thirsk, Haydock and Goodwood. There was a lot to like about his seasonal reappearance at Newmarket where he shaped a good deal better than his finishing position of seventh suggested. The speed he showed over six furlongs on that occasion suggested the drop back in trip will be no problem at all, and Ryan Moore retains the ride this afternoon. Given there's a bit of cut in the ground, which will certainly see him to better effect, he looks to have an excellent chance to get his head back in front, although the likes of Ballesteros and Top Boy are respected.
It's the Group 2 Middleton Stakes over ten furlongs under consideration next (14:15) and it looks an excellent renewal, with several worthy of consideration. Secret Gesture remains unexposed and looks a big player given that she bolted up on her seasonal reappearance last year, whilst Ambivalent escapes a penalty for her Group 1 success in Ireland last year. However the one to keep on side is Thistle Bird, who went very close in top-flight company last season including the Nassau Stakes and Prix de l'Opera. The underfoot conditions will be no problem and might arguably see her to better effect, and you can be sure she'll run her race at the very least. This looks an ideal opportunity to get back in the winners' enclosure and continue her fine record.
The last bet of the day comes in another typically competitive handicap, this time over a mile (15:15) and Navajo Chief makes the most appeal. He was a smart handicapper at his best and has won three times at this track, including off 3 lb higher when winning this race on his seasonal reappearance in 2013. He struggled to maintain his form following that but it seems likely that this will have been the long term target and today looks the right time to catch him. The likes of Fort Bastion and Ingleby Angel merit respect in a race where a number line up with live chances, but Alan Jarvis's talented seven-year-old has been given sufficient chance by the assessor to take this race for a second year in a row and is expected to take advantage of it.
Dante Festival SmartPlays
Back Ashpan Sam @ 10.09/1 in the 13:45
Back Thistle Bird @ 4.67/2 in the 14:15
Back Navajo Chief @ 6.411/2 in the 15:15
