If he gets beat, I'll be the one on the edge of the grandstand roof!
Having backed CROWDED HOUSE for the Epsom Derby ante post, I'll be hoping Brian Meehan's colt hacks up in Thursday's Dante Stakes at York (2.40) and I fully expect him to do just that.
The son of Rainbow Quest has been deposed as Derby favourite over the past couple of weeks, but he has looked a class act in his recent homework and you only have to watch the video of his performance in the Racing Post Trophy last October, in which he trounced 14 rivals with an electrifying turn of foot, to know he has the necessary class for racing's Blue Riband on the first Saturday of June. As for his stamina, his breeding suggests he'll get the trip standing on his head so, if you're not already on, I suggest you back him now at the current 11/2 with William Hill.
As for the Dante, I just can't see the likes of Kite Wood, Freemantle or Redwood being good enough to beat him, so it looks like a case of lumping on at 7/4 with Paddy Power, although I'll still be a nervous wreck in the run up to the race. And, if he gets beat, I'll be the one on the edge of the grandstand roof!
Elsewhere on the card, I like the look of two horses who won at the corresponding meeting last year.
First up, HAMISH MCGONAGALL (9/1 bet365) can take the Totesuper7 Handicap (1.40). A 5f specialist, who is at his best on fast ground, he showed he is effective on the track when beating the useful Lesson In Humility 12 months ago, and made a promising reappearance when fourth at Musselburgh, giving the impression he'd come on a lot for the run.
Later on, MIA'S BOY (7/1 Totesport) can repeat last year's win in the Toteswinger Hambleton Handicap (3.10). He is on a 5lb higher mark than when beating the reopposing Lang Shining and Blythe Knight in good style 12 month's ago, but his close second last time out to the very promising and unbeaten Mutheeb at Yarmouth - the pair well clear of the third - suggests he's ready to run to the same level of form again.
Recommended Bets:
Crowded House (Dante) 2pts @ 7/4 Paddy Power
Crowded House (Derby) 2pts @ 11/2 William Hill
Hamish McGonagall 1pt @ 9/1 bet365
Mia's Boy 1pt @ 7/1 Totesport