Horse Racing Tips: Musical Touch to end Dante week on song

Flat racing holds sway across the UK and Ireland on Friday afternoon, with Jumps racing throughout the evening. Day three of York’s Dante festival takes centre stage, with flat racing also at Newmarket, Newbury, Hamilton, followed by jumps action at Aintree. In Ireland they race at Leopardstown and over jumps at Kilbeggan.

Among my horse racing tips for Friday is one for trainer Chris Dwyer who makes his handicap debut and could improve for a step up in trip.

14:42 York - Man Of Desert @ 16/1

At a bigger price, look out for MAN OF DESERT, who could make an impact from an opening mark of 82 on handicap debut.

Chris Dwyer’s runner showed his first signs of ability when third in a Yarmouth maiden last time, pulling clear of the remainder with two colts that had run to a good standard on their previous stars.

He has clearly needed time to mature but has plenty in his favour if building on that promising run here.

This son of French Derby winner is a half brother to Derby winner Desert Crown and he should relish the step up in trip and has a good draw in stall two.

16:55 York - Bowmark @ 1/3

BOWMARK made an impressive winning debut at Kempton in December, in a race that has produced a few victors since, and he can defy a penalty in this valuable novice race.

He advanced his form further back from a break when filling the runner-up spot at Listed level, only beaten by the race fit Glittering Legend, with the 110-rated Royal Playwright back in third.

That is a useful level of form to bring back into novice company and this Kingman colt could improve further with that experience behind him and for the switch to turf.

17:30 York - Musical Touch @ 13/2

A big field goes to post for the closing race of York’s Dante Festival, and the draw will surely play a part.

But, with extra places on offer, MUSICAL TOUCH is selected to go close on his bid for a hat-trick of wins.

This Mehmas gelding has been a bit of a slow burner but has progressed well in handicaps, despite being restricted to just four starts since June last year.

A win on the all-weather in October was backed up on seasonal return, winning in good style at Thirsk, with the form boosted by the second - a fourth next time. Both those wins came after breaks, so a further two-month absence may be in his favour.

This is a step up in grade but he remains lightly raced for his age and he is bred to be suited by this step up to 7f.

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