The Dante meeting at York will see some of the last pieces of the jigsaw fall into place regarding the Derby and Oaks at Epsom says Andy Holding.
Other than Golden Horn, the feature on the Knavesmire hasn't had a particularly strong bearing on the Epsom Classic in recent times, so it will intriguing to see whether the likes of Desert Crown, Magisterial or El Bodegon can buck the trend in the Dante Stakes.
Considering Aidan O'Brien has won virtually every Derby trial up to now, it will be interesting to see whether either of his two entered, Point Lonsdale or Bluegrass, are asked to do duty, and of the pair the latter would make some sort of appeal at his current odds of 14/1 given how well he shaped in the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on his season return.
"The form of her strong speed figure win at Sandown has already received a boost"
Of the fillies, current Oaks favourite Emily Upjohn will be hoping to enhance her reputation in the Musidora on Day 1 and it will be a bitter disappointment to all concerned if she fails to deliver the goods. The form of her strong speed figure win at Sandown has already received a boost with the eighth winning at Kempton since (Emotion) and with the likelihood of further improvement come, the current best price of 4/1 for the Epsom Classic could look good value.
Later in the week, no doubt connections of Trueshan will be keeping an eye on the weather forecasts in the build up towards the Yorkshire Cup, as Alan King's inmate must have ease in the ground to be seen at his best. A withdrawal on many occasions last season when the rain failed to materialise, his much-awaited re-match with Stradivarius once again hinges on matters out of his control.
As is often the case at this meeting, the likes of John Gosden and William Haggas will have plenty to say with their representatives over the three days, but as the markets tends to react accordingly, runners from these two powerful stables don't offer too much in the way of value.
One horse that is usually underestimated with the bookmakers is HAPPY ROMANCE and she rates as one of better bets of the week based on her overall form and current wellbeing.
Twice placed in two big sprint races on foreign shores in the winter, her latest exploits when runner-up in the Al Quoz sprint at Meydan was achieved against the track bias and having proven herself to be a top-class filly when fast ground is in her favour, conditions on the Knavesmire should be just about ideal in her bid to maintain her perfect record at the track. At 6/1, she therefore represents decent each-way value.
