York Dante Festival Tips And Predictions For Friday, 14th May

It's been an excellent week of racing at the Dante Festival in York so far and we're expecting the same for the third and final day on Friday.

The three-day meeting 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 Dante meeting will be held behind closed doors week.

Today's Oaks Stakes revolves around the exciting Richard Hannon-trained Snow Lantern.

The beautifully bred daughter of 1000 Guineas winner Sky Lantern comfortably came out of top in what looked a very good maiden at Newbury and Hannon has not hidden his confidence in the filly.

Later on in the day will see the highly-rated Sir Ron Priestley take part in the Yorkshire Cup Stakes - but he faces stiff opposition in Santiago, Nayef Road and Spanish Mission.

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

However, we're ready to get back on track and Friday's nap looks to take all the beating.

NAP (best bet)

York 2.10

Tip: Snow Lantern 7/4

Snow Lantern has a stellar pedigree, being by Frankel out of 1000 Guineas winner Sky Lantern, and confirmed debut promise after bolting up in a warm maiden last month.

The three-year-old is stepping up in grade today, but beat two very promising colts in good style at Newbury recently and she probably has the most potential in the field.

Sean Levey, booked to ride this afternoon, has had nothing but praise for this exciting filly - and that can only bolster her claims.

Next best

York 3.10

Tip: Sir Ron Priestley 7/4

Sir Ron Priestley has returned thriving and landed the Jockey Club at Newmarket despite the drop back in trip probably not being ideal.

He should get out in front and prove tough to pass, though he'll face formidable threats from stablemate Nayef Road and last year's Irish Derby winner Santiago.

Recent impressive victories at both Nottingham and Newmarket show him to be arriving in top form and he could bat off all challengers here.

Outsider

York 4.15

Tip: Fighter Pilot 7/1

In an open race, the marginal preference is for Fighter Pilot, a steadily progressive type and impressive winner at Nottingham last month.

Rising jockey Kevin Stott takes to the saddle and Kevin Ryan's charge is one of the leading players in the race based on his recent form.

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