TV TIPS (THURSDAY)

Rory Paddock tackles day two of York's meeting with the Dante Stakes the showpiece race on Thursday. With action from both York and Salisbury Rory previews every live race shown on ITV. 14:20 YORK

A typically competitive sprint opens ITV’s York coverage, with 22 runners set to charge down the Knavesmire over the minimum trip.

Corolla Point and course-and-distance winner Air Force One head the market and both hold obvious claims, though in a field of this size value may lie elsewhere.

Brazen Bolt also boasts winning form over this track and trip and ran well when second on his seasonal return, though that came in weaker company and, at nine years old, he may find younger rivals stronger late on.

Veteran Copper Knight continues to defy his age and showed plenty of determination when scoring last time out. A seven-time course winner, he clearly thrives at York, though this deeper contest may prove more demanding.

Another previous course-and-distance winner, Squealer, could be worth a small each-way interest. He has yet to fire in two starts this season but now drops to an attractive mark and remains capable at this venue.

SQUEALER (E/W)

14:40 SALISBURY

This looks likely to revolve around three runners, with Gallivanted, Cruden and Personal Best standing out on form.

Gallivanted narrowly got the better of Cruden when the pair met recently and renews rivalry here with an extra pound to carry. That slight swing in the weights could help narrow the margin, though another close finish looks likely.

Personal Best returns from a 197-day break but has gone well fresh before and is capable of making his presence felt if fully tuned up.

Of the remainder, top-weight Anniversary appears the most likely to upset the leading trio representing a powerful stable.

A combination forecast and a bold tricast involving the principals could prove the best angle.

GALLIVANTED – CRUDEN – PERSONAL BEST (COMBI FCAST & TCAST)

14:55 YORK

Another fiercely competitive handicap on the Knavesmire, with 19 runners declared and plenty holding realistic claims.

At bigger prices, Galeron and Eldrickjones make some appeal as each-way options. Galeron represents the Charles Hills yard and should improve for his effort in the Lincoln. Although he failed to win last season, he shaped well enough on several occasions to suggest another success is within reach.

Eldrickjones showed signs of a return to form when third at Southwell and has previous placed form in similar contests at York. While not the most prolific, he remains capable at this level.

Point Of Contact is another worth considering at attractive odds. Still relatively unexposed as a four-year-old, he represents a yard in strong form and could outrun his price.

Sea Force looks the most likely winner on recent form after an unlucky third last time, though current odds make limited appeal.

GALERON (E/W)

ELDRICKJONES (E/W)

15:30 YORK

See The Fire impressed when winning at Nottingham on her seasonal return and is likely to head the market, though this represents a much stronger test. While race fitness is an advantage, she will need further improvement to follow up at this level.

Diamond Rain and Fallen Angel have achieved more so far and, if ready after their winter breaks, look the pair most likely to dominate proceedings. Of the two, Diamond Rain appeals slightly more, with a progressive profile and less mileage on the clock.

Red Letter also merits consideration after a respectable third in Ireland and could improve again for that outing.

Diamond Rain is taken to edge a competitive renewal.

DIAMOND RAIN (WIN)

16:05 YORK

Christmas Day caused something of a surprise when landing the Ballysax Stakes on his seasonal return and now looks to cement his place among the leading Derby contenders. The Ballydoyle colt showed plenty of ability that day and another bold showing is expected.

Morshdi was also impressive when scoring last time and already has winning form at York. Further improvement will be required, though he looks capable of making the frame.

Al Zanati, Wise Prince and Action renew rivalry from Sandown, with Action perhaps capable of reversing previous placings, though all may struggle to match the favourite.

The intriguing runner is Item, unbeaten in two starts and open to significant improvement on his first outing as a three-year-old. While his juvenile form came in lesser company, he remains one with potential.

Christmas Day still sets the standard.

CHRISTMAS DAY (WIN)

16:40 YORK

Manatee Mehmas attracted strong market support ahead of his debut at Doncaster and justified favouritism with a convincing success. He should improve for that initial experience and, from a yard with an excellent record at York, looks capable of taking another step forward.

Aspect Island underperformed in the Abernant Stakes but could fare much better in this company and rates the main danger.

At bigger odds, Black Star Boy and Dickension appeal as possible each-way alternatives, while Revival Power and Simplify also warrant consideration.

Manatee Mehmas looks the one they all have to beat.

MANATEE MEHMAS (WIN)

written by Rory Paddock