The Dante Festival at York reaches its climax on Friday, and our horse racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge has identified four promising selections for the seven-race card, headlined by the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup. Below are the best bets and odds for the day's action.
Friday's York Tips
- Pacific Mission (York, 14.20) - 1pt win @ 7/2 (Ladbrokes)
- Warrant Holder (York, 14.55) - 1pt win @ 10/3 (bet365)
- Rahiebb (York, 16.05) - 1pt win @ 7/2 (William Hill)
- Old Is Gold (York, 16.40) - 1pt each-way @ 7/1 (BOYLE Sports)
Mission Possible for Those Opposing Synchronicity
Bookmakers are taking no chances with Synchronicity, but they may try to shorten her odds closer to race time. If you intend to back her, waiting might be advisable. Ed Walker's filly impressed on debut, winning a Newbury newcomers' race in style. However, she needs significant improvement to match the form of Pacific Mission. Andrew Balding's Lope De Vega filly has a record of 1-4 but boasts excellent efforts in the Group 2 May Hill at Doncaster and the Group 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. With the yard typically having no fitness issues, she offers the best value on betting sites.
Warrant Holder Can Catch His Rivals
Last year's winner Thunder Run and runner-up Tony Montana return, both off the same official marks. Tony Montana has a better draw, while Thunder Run faces stall ten. However, Warrant Holder is well drawn and appears well treated. The Gosden-trained four-year-old concluded last season with an All Weather success at Newcastle and has been prominent in his races. Gelded over the winter and fresh in his career, he looks the one to beat. Castle Stuart could also outperform his odds at bigger prices.
Yorkshire Cup May Be to Rahiebb's Liking
Breeders' Cup Turf fourth Amiloc heads the market and is clearly talented. Favoured by just 1lb over Rahiebb, he is the rightful favourite. However, Rahiebb has progressed with every run since his debut win last March, finishing a neck second in the St Leger. The trip and conditions suit Roger Varian's charge, who was described as a big baby last year. If the trainer's theory holds, the son of Frankel offers value against the favourite on betting apps.
Balding's Runner Worth His Weight in Gold
The York sprint is typically tricky, with several high-drawn contenders. Only one horse drawn higher than ten has won in the last decade on sound ground, tempering enthusiasm for Old Is Gold. Andrew Balding's three-year-old was well fancied at Sandown last time but blew the start. If that confidence was justified, he remains capable from a 1lb lower mark. Gelded prior to that run, he should settle better. With five of the top seven drawn double-figure, the pace may favour his side, making each-way betting sensible.
Free Bet Offer for York
Tote offers a money-back special for Friday's 13.45 race at York. Opt in via their promotions page and place a bet. If your horse finishes second or third, Tote refunds losing win bets as a free bet up to £10. The credit is valid for seven days on UK and Irish racing pool bets.
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