Day one of the Dante Festival has got my punting juices flowing and I’m looking forward to some of the big field handicaps today. The opener over 1m 4f looks to have a distinct angle in as a low draw seems to be key in recent years. I think AJERO is massively overpriced after a recent pipe opener should have put him spot on for this. The return to genuine good ground will also suit and I can see him doing some damage off this handicap mark at some point this season. Similar comments also apply to THUNDERING, whose price has collapsed this morning, and I expect a big run from him also. Kevin Ryan‘s charge has some decent form in the book and I expect him to improve for being another year older this season. At 12/1 last night he looked a sound each way bet.
I have and still could back half the field in the 2.25 as there are certainly some old favourites in there. I think the conditions could really suit MAKANAH who finished second in this race last year. A higher draw will hopefully suit better and if he can get amongst them about a furlong out then I hope he can battle out the finish.
York 1.50 Ajero / Thundering
York 2.25 Makanah
