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York Dante festival

Latest news for day one of the Dante meeting as Tasleet misses the Duke of York

York: racing fans can expect three days of fantastic action
York: racing fans can expect three days of fantastic actionCredit: Edward Whitaker

This is a good week to be a racing fan. Not only does York's Dante festival – one of the premier meetings at one of Britain's finest racecourses – commence this afternoon, but Harry Angel, the highest-rated sprinter in the world in 2017, is back.

Described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime horse' by trainer Clive Cox, the blisteringly fast Harry Angel provides a large sprinkle of stardust on a quality card.

The dual Group 1 winner faces five rivals in the Group 2 Duke of York Stakes (3.30) – last year's winner Tasleet misses out – the highlight on the first of what promises to be three great days of racing on the Knavesmire.

York, with the first four races broadcast on ITV4, is undoubtedly the premier fixture, but there's also plenty to enjoy elsewhere, with Yarmouth and Newton Abbot providing the supporting action in the afternoon before attention turns to Bath, Punchestown and Perth in the evening.

Going report

Newton Abbot (first race 2.00)
Good, good to firm in places (GoingStick: 6.7 on Tuesday at 6am) Impact of rail movement on distances: race 1 add approx 54 yards, race 2 & 6 add approx 49 yards, race 3 & 5 add approx 45 yards, race 4 add approx 42 yards, race 7 adds approx 36 yards

Yarmouth (2.10)
Good to firm (GoingStick: 7.9 on Wednesday at 7am)

York (2.20)
Good to firm (GoingStick: 7.5 on Wednesday at 07.30)
Impact of rail movement on distances: races 1, 4 and 7 plus 32 yards

Bath (5.20)
Firm (GoingStick 9.8 on Wednesday at 6.30am)
Stalls: 5f & 5.5f - Centre; 1m, 1m2f and 1m3f - Inside; 1m5f and 1m6f Outside

Punchestown (5.45)
Good

Perth (6.05)
Good to Soft, good in places (GoingStick: 6.6 on Tuesday at 8am)
Impact of rail movement on distances: race 1 add 42 yards, races 2 and 3 add 36 yards, races 4,5,6 and 7 add 58 yards

Market movers

Yarmouth 2.45
Iconic Belle 13-2 (from 7)

Newton Abbot 3.10
Lets Go Dutchess 9-1 (from 11)

York 4.35
Montague 14-1 (from 18)

What to back

Adam Maidment makes a case for two horses worth backing at double-figure prices at York.

Maddy Playle, Tom Segal and Nick Watts debate the best bets for York this week

What to read

Fresh from leading the ITV Racing team to a Bafta award for its Grand National coverage, the channel's director of sport Niall Sloane has called for racing to demystify its language in order to attract a bigger audience to television and the racecourse.

If you're hoping to find some winners at York this week our extensive range of previews might help. Here's an in-depth look at the Musidora Stakes, which could provide some pointers to the Oaks.

What to watch

In the absence of an established Group 1 older miler Saturday's Lockinge Stakes is looking a bit of a puzzle. Limato, twice a winner at the highest level, is the class act in the race but will he stay a mile? We caught up with his trainer Henry Candy and rider Harry Bentley.

The best of Racing Post Sport

The Europa League final takes place on Wednesday with Atletico Madrid clashing with Marseille. Find out who Dan Childs fancies.

The AT&T Byron Nelson in Dallas, Texas, is the big golf event this week and Ian Wilkerson has four tips, ranging from 22-1 to 50-1.

Final thought

Just how exciting is the sprint scene this year? Milers and middle-distance horses often hog the limelight but that might not be the case this season with speedballs such as Harry Angel, Battaash, Lady Aurelia and Kachy set to blaze a trail. We could be in for a summer of spectacular sprint clashes.


For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app

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