York Dante meeting: Thursday’s tips
Published:
David Metcalf | May 11, 2016
Cardinal Walter weighted to strike
Cardinal Walter can take advantage of what looks a handy mark to land the 2m handicap which brings proceedings to a close on day two of York’s prestigious Dante meeting (17:20).
The gelding had some smart form on the level back in 2012 when trained by David Simcock, winning once and posting several solid efforts to make the frame in competitive handicaps.
They include a third in the decent class 2 contest at Goodwood, and a cracking third of 16 to Guarantee in the valuable 1m 6f Melrose Handicap at this venue off a mark of 86.
Cardinal Walter then suffered an injury and had just one run in 2013, after which he joined trainer Nicky Henderson for a career over hurdles.
Useful performer over the obstacles
The seven-year-old has since developed into a useful performer over the obstacles, winning twice to be rated 142 at his peak.
Cardinal Walter now switches back to the flat off a mark of just 90, and that looks very exploitable on the pick of his form.
His handler also has a good record in staying handicaps, and Cardinal Walter has a similar profile to No Heretic who landed the Chester Cup for Henderson last week.
Areen holds all the aces in Listed sprint
In the 5f Listed contest (16:15), Areen can make a winning debut for trainer David O’Meara.
The colt looked a smart sort when scoring at the first time of asking over course and distance last year at this meeting when in the care of Kevin Ryan, and went on to run a stormer when a fast finishing head second of 27 to Washington DC in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Areen also ran very well to be third to Gutaifan in a Group 2 at Maison-Lafitte in France, and that form reads well in the context of this lower grade contest.
The son of Kodiac is also the highest rated in the line-up off 106, and O’Meara has an excellent record of ekeing out further improvement from horses that come into his care.
Areen’s course winning form is another plus, and everything suggests this is a nice opening for the three-year-old to bag a second career success.
Selections
14.10: Red Baron
14.40: Lady Of Dubai
15.15: Midterm
15.45: Birdman
16.15: Areen (NB)
16.45: Gulliver
17.20: Cardinal Walter (NAP)
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