York Dante Festival Tips And Predictions For Wednesday, 12th May

All eyes will be on York this week as a host of talented star three-year-old's put their Classic credentials on the line during the Dante Festival.

The three-day spectacle is the last big chance for horses to book their ticket to Epsom for next month's Derby and Oaks.

Thankfully, crowds are back on the horizon, but it is a great shame that the meeting will be held behind closed doors week.

The festival begins with a bang as hotly-fancied Epsom Oaks prospects Noon Star and Teona clash in the Group 3 Musidora Stakes - one of the features on the seven-race card.

Our horse racing expert Robert Mann has picked apart York's star-studded card and has selected his three best bets from the meeting this afternoon.

For the second day running, our nap hacked up and we're bidding for the hat-trick today.

Wednesday's nap is gunning for a six-timer and looks to take all the beating again.

Officials at York have confirmed that there will be some 'good' in the going description for the Dante meeting after recent heavy rainfall.

NAP (best bet)

York 1.40

Tip: Ilaraab 4/1

Several of these were progressive last season, but none more than Ilaraab.

William Haggas' four-year-old colt won has won his last five on the bounce in impressive style - and there is every chance he will have more to offer this season, especially stepping up to this distance for the first time.

This a seriously red-hot handicap to kick off the meeting, but Ilaraab - who is bidding for a six-timer - should be able to get the job done here in the opener with top jockey Tom Marquand onboard.

Next best

York 3.10

Tip: Noon Star 7/4

Noon Star, remember the name.

The beautifully bred three-year-old - a Galileo filly out of Midday from the superb Juddmonte family - is bidding to live up to her stellar pedigree in the Musidora Stakes this afternoon.

She has won her last two races in emphatic fashion and Sir Michael Stoute's excellent filly is taken to enhance her Oaks credentials with a victory in this trial.

Outsider

York 4.50

Tip: Hint Of Stars 8/1

Hint Of Stars progressed well on the all-weather over the winter and he has to be respected now back switching to the turf.

And with Ryan Moore taking to the saddle, this ex-Irish gelding - who is 3-4 on the all-weather - is open to further progress here.

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are, as always, subject to change.