Wednesday tips: Ross Millar runs through his selections on York's undercard

There aren't many better spectacles than watching leading equine talents strut their stuff on the Knavesmire.

However, winners at the Dante meeting have proved difficult to find over the years, so careful precision with your bets is crucial. Ross Millar has provided a race-by-race guide for Saturday’s card.

1.50 York, 1m3½f handicap

Anything that Harry Davies rides must be given due consideration as he looks exceptional value for his 7lb claim. But, even with that factored in, Global Storm wouldn’t appear to have much in hand off his current mark (106) given that his last win on these shores came off just 94. 

I would rather side with the relatively unexposed Gaassee. He has won three of his four starts, two of which came on the all-weather, so he will have to prove that he can handle quicker conditions (his wide margin win on the turf at Chester came on soft ground). However, he readily swept aside the 86-rated Trevolli by five lengths while conceding him 11lb on his last start, which suggests that a mark of 94 still underestimates his ability.

Selection: Gaassee @ 3.2

2.25 York, 6f handicap

A 22-runner cavalry charge over the straight 6f of the Knavesmire is never easy. The betting reflects the open nature of this contest with Bielsa and Dakota Gold providing an interesting angle as they step back into handicap company after contesting stronger races.

But it’s the booking of Tom Marquand for the David and Nicola Barron-trained Venturous that interests me, especially as he’s been in good form on the all-weather (won two of his last four starts) and returns to the turf off a 7lb lower mark. He won over this course and distance on his last visit off just 2lb lower and can go close at a double-figure price.

Selection: Venturous @ 16 

3.00 York, 6f Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes

Connections of Dragon Symbol will hope that the switch to trainer Roger Varian from Archie Watson will revitalise him after his form tailed off towards the end of last season.

He is feared, but I’m prepared to chance another runner who needs to get his career back on track. Hurricane Ivor finished last season with a disappointing effort at Ascot when soft ground was given as the legitimate excuse, but there was no explanation for a dismal effort at Newmarket on his seasonal reappearance. 

However, hope can be gleaned from the fact that he was well beaten on last season’s reappearance run before winning on his second start - it could just be that he needs a run to put him straight. He was a two-time winner over 6f when trained in France and this drop back up in trip will suit - it should be noted that he was a fast-finishing third over 5f at York in August last year. He has questions to answer but I’m happy to take a chance at a juicy price. 

Selection: Hurricane Ivor @ 17.5 

4.10 York, 7f handicap

As an unbeaten John and Thady Gosden-trained colt, Samburu is sure to be well fancied in this handicap and I can see the appeal. However, the form of his Salisbury win took a slight knock at the weekend when the runner-up Taratari was well beaten at Ascot.

I’m keen to take him on with the vastly more experienced Mojomaker, who was narrowly denied on his last start when runner-up at Doncaster. Given the way he finished off that race, another try at this 7f trip looks a wise move. 

His trainer, David Loughnane, enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2021 and he has kept the momentum rolling this year, currently operating at a healthy 21% strike rate over the last 14 days. William Buick is an eyecatching booking and he will be hoping to keep his perfect record when riding for Loughnane intact. 

Selection: Mojomaker @ 7.8

4.45 York, 1m3½f handicap

Robert Walpole is from a family chocked full of stamina - he’s a half-brother of James Garfield, who was somewhat of an outlier - and I expect this son of Golden Horn to take another big step forward now that he tries this trip for the first time.

This is a race that lacks depth and it would be disappointing if he didn’t win off a mark of 74. 

Selection: Robert Walpole @ 6 

5.15 York, 5f novice stakes 

This novice event contains plenty of unknown quantities and, as ever, debutants from the Mark Johnston, David O’Meara and Richard Hannon stables will merit respect, especially if they are strong in the market. 

It will pay to watch the demeanour and attitude of these youngsters in the preliminaries. Experience is often crucial and the Grant Tuer-trained Mersea took a big step forward last time after catching the eye on debut. She can gain a deserved win. 

Selection: Mersea @ 10.5

Recommended bets

Gaassee (1.50 York) @ 3.2
Venturous (2.25 York) @ 16
Hurricane Ivor (3.00 York) @ 17.5
Mojomaker (4.10 York) @ 7.8
Robert Walpole (4.45 York) @ 6
Mersea (5.15 York) @ 10.5