The Betfred Dante Stakes (3.15) at York
on Wednesday features several unexposed, but potentially very smart,
three-year-old colts. However, it could pay to side with Nafaqa, who
may lack the superstar potential of some of his rivals but,
consequently, may have been seriously underestimated by the
bookmakers. The son of Derby winner Sir Percy has just a length to
find with subsequent Racing Post Trophy winner Elm Park on their
running in the Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket last September, should
be suited by stepping up to 1 mile 2 furlongs, and may have a fitness
advantage over Andrew Balding’s colt – who missed the 2,000
Guineas because of the good to firm going – this time.
Barry Hills’ charge could only finish
second, beaten 1¼ lengths, behind subsequent 2,000 Guineas also-ran
Kool Kompany in the Craven Stakes on his reappearance at Newmarket
four weeks ago, but it would be folly to write him off just yet. He
faces stiff opposition, in the form of Elm Park, Golden Horn, Jack
Hobbs and John F Kennedy, but 16/1 in the very early price lists is
bordering on insulting. Barry Hills’ son, Richard, assistant
manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan said recently, “He [Nafaqa] is
stepping up in grade on Thursday, but he has every right to be
there.”
Selection: York 3.15 Nafaqa to win
(although, at 16/1 in a field of eight, an each-way ‘burgle’ is
also tempting)
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