York Tips: A couple for Day 3 of the Dante Festival

14:45 - Eilean Dubh e/w (5 places) @ 12/1

I think there's a fair chance Botanical is better than his mark of 97, but he's short enough for a 16-runner handicap over 1m2½f on his seasonal reappearance and so I'm happy to let him win at current odds.

Instead, I suggest taking a chance - each-way with Betfred offering an extra place (five) - on Karl Burke's EILEAN DUBH.

The six-year-old's form fell off quite drastically in the latter half of last season and as a result he was gelded before a much-needed summer break.

His underwhelming return at Musselburgh last month is forgivable, especially as his latest effort, when beaten jus over three lengths in the Thirsk Hunt Cup, was a significant improvement.

I think the handicapper has been kind in dropping him a further two pounds to 89. This is a horse that was running to his mark in the mid-90s last season, so he could be very dangerous if back to his best.

He's completely unexposed over the trip, so there could be more to come there too. He's very interesting.

16:15 - Lead Artist @ 11/10

Then, exactly an hour and a half later, I'm very keen on LEAD ARTIST for this novice contest over a mile.

John & Thady Gosden's three-year-old - a son of Dubawi out of a Frankel mare - has only run once so far in his career, in a competitive maiden at Newmarket last month won by the re-opposing First Conquest.

While things went to plan for the winner, who made almost all the running, the selection was slow out of the gates, raced widest of all and yet was only just denied on the line.

Even if the two were racing off level weights again, I would expect St James's Palace entry Lead Artist to reverse that form. So, with First Conquest carrying a six-pound penalty, it's fair to say I'm very confident about that eventuality.

What about the other four runners? Mystical Maria and Longhaired General are impossible to advise on what we've seen so far, while Dark Tornado - as promising as his form is - has a 251-day turnaround to overcome.

Under Siege is a threat, but ultimately I would be surprised if he was up to beating the favourite, who's rock solid in my book.

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