York Dante meeting: Wednesday’s tips
Published:
David Metcalf | May 10, 2016
Lord Ben Stack weighted to go well
Lord Ben Stack looks nicely treated on the pick of his form and decent each-way value in the 1m 2f handicap that opens proceedings on the first day of York’s Dante meeting (14.10).
The Karl Burke trained gelding looked a smart prospect when winning at Haydock on his second start as a juvenile back in 2014, but has clearly not been the easiest to train and has subsequently had a few lengthy spells on the sidelines and just five starts.
However, the four-year-old showed that he retained plenty of abilty on his final start last season when beaten just a neck by Cymro at Haydock off a mark of 93.
Lord Ben Stack allowed the winner first run, and was arguably an unlucky loser. The winner, to who whom he was conceding 4lb, has gone on to score twice since and finish a solid fourth in a Group 3 at Chester to be rated 105.
That represents strong form and suggests Lord Ben Stack is potentially well-treated off a mark of 95.
Craggaknock has a cracking chance
Craggaknock ran really well when runner-up last time out and can go one better to land the 1m 4f handicap (17.20).
The Mark Walford trained gelding started last season in terrific form, scoring at Thirsk by 2 3/4 lengths before defying a 6lb rise in the weights to score at Haydock by a head off a mark of 77.
Craggaknock was then given a break before posting a really solid effort at Nottingham when running on well to finish a 1 1/2 length fourth of 13 to Rhombus.
The five-year-old finished just 1/2 a length behind the third home Gale Force, and that one has since gone on to bolt up in a class 2 contest at Goodwood and win a Listed contest at Saint-Cloud to be rated 103.
That gives the form a really solid look in the context of this contest, and Craggaknock also ran really well in his last three outings last season in competitive contests – including when fourth of 16 at this venue off a rating of 81.
Craggaknock is now able to race off just 1lb higher and comes into the contest having hinted that his time was near when a fine staying on second at Doncaster.
Selections:
14.10: Lord Ben Stack (E/W)
14.40: Gamesome
15.15: Mattmu
15.45: So Mi Dar (NAP)
16.20: Constantino
16.50: In First Place
17.20: Craggaknock (NB)
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