Local trainers hoping to have the call over southern raiders

2.55 York
Infinity Tyres Handicap | 6f Class 2 handicap | ITV4/RUK

Yorkshire stables have won this for the past five years and local trainers are out in force again with Wetherby-based Richard Guest leading the charge with Udontdodou.

Guest is worried about the ground for his lowly weighted improver who won nicely on his seasonal return at Chelmsford last month.

Guest said: "He's won on soft but only in the equivalent of a donkey derby at Thirsk. Hopefully he can still run a nice race but win, lose or draw we'll still have a great day and it's great to be involved at the Dante meeting. Some of my owners who haven't even got a runner are attending as they enjoy the meeting so much."

All time High

High numbers could have the edge in sprints if the forecast rain comes. The last time the meeting was staged on soft in 2014, Aetna came up the stands' rail to score from stall 20.

What they say

Adam Ryan, son and assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Ride Like The Wind and Lexington Abbey
It’s always a big plus when we get Ryan Moore on board and Lexington Abbey has good course form, including when a close second in the Coral Sprint Trophy last season. He'll appreciate the juice in the ground. Ride Like The Wind was unlucky last time when stopped in his run. He carries top weight, which will be tough, but he is giving weight away for a reason as he has Group-race form.

David O'Meara, trainer of Out Do, Watchable and Al Qahwa
Out Do and Watchable are doubtful runners if the ground turns soft, but we plan to run Al Qahwa as we need to get him out.

David Barron, trainer of New Bidder
It will be nice to start the old boy back and I hope it rains from now until start time as he needs it soft.

Geoff Harker, trainer of Wentworth Falls
He's our best horse and we're looking forward to it but we don't know if he'll handle the ground if it turns soft. He keeps improving and should still run well.

Mick Channon, trainer of Lincoln
He’s in good form and we’re hopeful of a good run but we’ll have to see whether the handicapper has got a hold of him. The ease in the ground is in his favour.

Bryan Smart, trainer of King Robert
He ran too free at Newmarket, so we’ll try to get him some cover. He’s ran well on slower ground in the past, winning at Carlisle, so we’ll see how he goes.

John Quinn, trainer of Reputation
He goes there in good shape and we're hopeful he'll cope with the ground.

Stuart Williams, trainer of Shamshon
We've not had him that long but he's won on soft ground and we're hopeful of a good run.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Northgate Lad
The form of his last race is working out well and if he can overcome his draw in stall one he goes there with a live chance.

Richard Guest, trainer of Udontdodou
He bolted up at Chelmsford and we're looking forward to it but if the ground become soft it would a negative. We'll still run but it wouldn't enhance his chances.