3 minute read

Sam King is back with two selections on Thursday.

York's second day of the Dante meeting gets underway with an interesting novice event and although I'll be watching with intent, with several potentially smart newcomers in the mix, it's hardly a betting race.

My first bet on the card will be Arklow Lad in the Lindum York Handicap (2.20).

The Horse Watchers syndicate certainly know how to improve a horse through the handicap ranks and they seem to have picked up another progressive type in the shape of Arklow Lad, who took another step forward in the first-time cheekpieces to score at Pontefract last time out.

He was withdrawn at Chester last week on the account of unsuitable ground and given the fact a number of horses slipped in the contest he was due to run in, that might not prove a bad decision.

Michael Appleby's charge got to the front going easily a furlong out when scoring at Pontefract and whilst he found enough to repel a late challenge, he always looked to be idling out in front in the cheekpieces.

A 4lb rise in the weights is by no means a welter burden here and with further progress on the cards, he should give a very good account once more.

Arklow Lad – 1pt Win

Odds – 14/1

I'm hoping it's going to prove a good day for The Horse Watchers team as I've also got Walsingham high on my radar for the following Oakmere Homes Hambleton Handicap (2.55).

David O'Meara saddles five runners here, all with vary degrees of chances, and although Walsingham isn't the shortest of them in the betting, there's plenty of reason to believe he may fare best on the track.

A winner of four of his last six starts, this gelded son of Lope De Vega has been operating at a lower level than this, but he smacked as the type of horse who would appreciate the stronger gallop that they're more likely to go in this better-quality event.

He only scored a length and a quarter that day, but his authority was evident throughout as he travelled kindly under Danny Tudhope before picking up in good style to hit the front inside the final furlong. Tudhope only needed hands and heels riding to make sure his mount obliged in cosy fashion and whilst this clearly represents a step up in grade, it's entirely possible that a 4lb rise for his latest success underestimates his capabilities.

Walsingham – 1pt Win

Odds – 12/1