1:50 – Class 2 Handicap
There are two runners who have caught the eye in this contest with the first selection a consistent horse who has been in good form this season, and the second selection a riskier pick who, if at his best, should definitely be contesting.
Fine Wine 11/1 (EW) – Scott Dixon, Jack Duern
This all-weather regular has been performing nicely in recent months, regularly placing as well as recording four wins since November.
He finished second at Hamilton on Sunday in a competitive handicap, and runs off a mark of 86 here, benefiting from jockey Jack Duern claiming 3lbs.
At a double-figure price he’ll carry only 8st 1lbs and he should go well again.
Alligator Alley 7/1 (EW) – David O’Meara, Daniel Tudhope
The course and distance winner gained success in a Listed contest here back in August 2019 when running for Joseph O’Brien.
He was subsequently given a rating of 104 and runs off a 9lbs lower mark here.
The five-year-old gelding has spent plenty of time off the track in his career, and will need to rediscover his two-year-old form.
He makes his second start for his new yard, having finished third at Wolverhampton on his reappearance following a long absence, two-and-a-quarter lengths behind today’s Group Two winner, Highfield Princess.
The son of Kingman is clearly talented and well-bred, and if able to improve on his second run after a wind operation he could well make the frame here.
It’s a risky selection, but each-way claims aren’t out of the question.
The stable’s form is a slight concern, with the trainer currently performing at a 10% success rate in the past two weeks, having saddled 48 runners.
3:00 – Hambleton Stakes (Class 2 Handicap)
Isla Kai 9/2 – Nigel Tinkler, Rowan Scott
He comes into the race on a career-high mark, having performed consistently since finishing eight on debut in 2020.
Since then he has raced seven times, winning on four occasions.
He finished second at the course last August, half-a-length behind the winner, and was last seen finishing a close fourth at Newbury, a length behind Modern News who won a Listed race at Windsor on Monday.
On current form he should be able to mount a challenge here.
3:35 – Dante Stakes (Group 2)
Royal Patronage 6/1 – Charlie & Mark Johnston, Jason Hart
This son of Wootton Bassett was in fine form during his debut season, recording a hat-trick of wins in the middle part of the season, including a win at Newmarket where he beat recent 2000 Guineas-winner, Coroebus.
He will likely make the running, stepping up to this trip for the first time, but is bred to stay and still holds an entry in next month’s Derby.
His last two runs have been disappointing, but he could be forgiven and is still worth sticking with as he was clearly a talented two-year-old.
It remains to be seen whether or not he has retained his ability, but this is a test that should suit and it’ll be interesting to see if he can come out on top against some unexposed types.
4:10 – Westow Stakes (Listed)
Project Dante 7/1 (EW – 3 places, 9/2 w/o King Of Bavaria) – Bryan Smart, Graham Lee
This three-year-old colt caught the eye on debut when winning at the course over the distance on debut, and followed that success with an impressive third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, finishing just behind winner Perfect Power and Go Bears Go.
His two subsequent appearances were far from impressive, but he can be forgiven for showing greeness and inexperience during his two-year-old campaign.
He has since had wind surgery and the promising Showcasing colt could return to form and put in a good performance here.
It’s difficult to go against the favourite, King Of Bavaria, with his trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore currently in top form.
A bet without the favourite is probably a safer option, but if Smart’s runner is able to return to his previous form he will be hard to beat.
By Katie Midwinter (11/05/22)
THE CONDITIONAL 