Richard Fahey York Dante Festival runners

Thursday

16:40 Boston Dan

He needs a lifetime best to win this and was disappointing on his return at Newmarket. He travelled well there but didn’t finish his race off. He’s in stall three and is entitled to come forward for his first run but it looks a tough task. I’d be delighted if he finished in the first four.

Friday

14:55 Castle Stuart

He’s run some good races at York which gives you hope and his outing at Doncaster on his return has put him spot-on for this. He’s in great form and, in an ultra-competitive race, should run well.

14:55 Have Secret

He comes here in the form of his life and any more rain at York is very much in his favour. He’s in great order right now but went up four pounds to 95 off the back of his win at Pontefract last time. It’s a career-high mark and he’ll need a lifetime best to defy it.

Saturday

Thirsk

15:37 South Parade

She’s just lost her way completely at the moment and needs to get her confidence and form back. I hope she shows a little more, but we'll see.

17:25 Ziggy's Queen

She’s out in stall 13 but it’s amazing at Thirsk how a wide draw, far from being a disadvantage, can actually be an advantage. She’s going well at home and is switching back to turf after a good winter on the all-weather.

Doncaster

18:02 Blue Icon

He's a debutant I like. He goes well at home but will learn plenty from this too. I’d be pleasantly surprised if he was tuned up enough to win on debut, but we'll see.

18:02 Elias Escape

He didn’t show a great deal on debut at Redcar and might be one for handicaps later down the line, but should have sharpened up from the first run like plenty of mine tend to do.

18:38 Havana Rum

I was delighted with his run in a better race than this on his reappearance at Pontefract and he goes into Saturday’s race in good form. I’d expect him to run very well.

19:08 Watchdog

He was good at Redcar last time, and was awarded a race earlier this week meaning he’s now a three-time winner. The handicapper has had his say and has put him up four pounds. That might be enough to stop him, but we’ll see.

19:40 Tarmonbarry Kid

This is a horse I have a lot of time for. He goes well at home and got tired on his comeback run at Doncaster. He’ll strip fitter for that and is one who will be winning races at some stage this season.

More from Sporting Life

• Free bets
• Racecards
• Fast results
• Full results and free video replays
• Horse racing news
• Horse racing tips
• Horse racing features
• Download our free iOS and Android app
• Football and other sports tips
• Podcasts and video content

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.