ITV horse racing tips and best bets for York and Salisbury on Thursday, May 14

Day two of the Dante Festival gets underway at York Racecourse on Thursday and Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh is back for the main event.

ITV are showing five races from York and one from Salisury, all spearheaded by the Dante Stakes at 16:05.

Kieran McHugh’s horse racing tips

As the old phrase goes, you wait so long for one then two come along at once.

We return for day two of the Dante Festival at York Racecourse, with the showpiece race being the Dante Stakes.

You would be forgiven for believing that the race is named after Dante Alighieri, whose ‘Inferno’ depicts the seven layers of hell.

Limbo, greed, heresy and treachery, just to name a few.

Are we sure Dante did not base his Inferno on the political parties of the United Kingdom?

Dante’s Inferno is the first canticle of The Divine Comedy, made into a live action remake called the Eurovision Song Contest.

The race’s namesake is Dante, the last northern-trained winner of the Epsom Derby in 1945.

Dante was labelled the great ‘Hope of the North’, which is coincidentally what the Labour Party call Andy Burnham.

Anyway, onto the racing 

14:20 (York) – Lindum York Handicap

Air Force One has had some good results in big fields here and returned to winning ways at Beverley last time out.

Another with good form around the Knavesmire is Brazen Bolt. He might be in his twilight years but he is second time up from wind surgery and Harry Vigors’ claim will help.

Suggested bets: AIR FORCE ONE (WIN), BRAZEN BOLT (E/W)

14:40 (Salisbury) – Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai "City Bowl" Handicap

A trappy race, for which Gallivanted arrives here in the best form.

He looks the one to beat and Harry Derham is flying as of late.

Tryfan has competed in better races than this but comes into this needing a good result, likewise with his connections.

Any return to form would put him in with a shout.

Suggested bets: GALLIVANTED (WIN), TRYFAN (E/W)

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14:55 (York) – Oakmere Homes Hambleton Handicap

David O’Meara has a good record in these types of races and of his runners in this, the veteran Mirsky makes the most claims.

He comes here following a good start to the season and has a nice record at York, making the frame in a big race at the Ebor Festival two years ago.

Eldrickjones was narrowly denied over seven furlongs at this meeting last year and comes here off a lower mark.

His record is not brilliant over a mile but a chance could be taken on him, given his performance last year.

Suggested bets: MIRSKY (WIN), ELDRICKJONES (E/W)

15:30 (York) – Middleton Fillies' Stakes (Group 2)

A small but classy field. 

Fallen Angel steps up to 12 furlongs again but she was underwhelming on her sole attempt, plus she makes her seasonal debut.

Diamond Rain’s performances in America are inspiring but more is needed.

So, the vote goes to Sea The Fire. She made hard-work of her comeback but she has proven form over this distance and scooted clear by 12 lengths in this race last year.

Suggested bet: SEE THE FIRE (WIN)

16:05 (York) – Dante Stakes (Group 2)

A fascinating renewal.

Christmas Day was impressive when winning the Ballysax at Leopardstown but the vote goes to the unexposed Juddmonte colt, Item.

He cruised home at Bath when last seen and he defeated the smart Devon Island, in a pretty good maiden race – he has something to find on form but he could be anything.

Wise Prince was third in the Classic Trial and probably would have finished ahead of Al Zanati with a clear run, he is capable of better if he does not meet trouble.

Suggested bets: ITEM (WIN), WISE PRINCE (E/W)

16:40 (York) – Westow Stakes (Listed Race)

It is hard to look past Aspect Island given his rating and the fact connections are in good form but Manatee Mehmas was impressive on debut and there is every chance he could be good enough to win this.

Boston Dan was down the field on his reappearance at Newmarket but he posted a career best here last year and can come on for his seasonal debut.

Suggested bets: ASPECT ISLAND (WIN), BOSTON DAN (E/W)

As ever, best of betting luck to you all.

(Selections are correct at time of publishing. Be aware they are subject to change, horses could be removed from race, and meetings may be abandoned due to bad weather.)