YORK DANTE FESTIVAL | Three Value Picks to consider for Day 1

Flat racing fans turn their attention to York this week, with the Dante Festival getting underway on Wednesday.

Day one is headlined by the Musidora Stakes, with several top-class fillies hoping to produce their claims for the Oaks next month.

With a cracking card on show in Yorkshire, here are our three value selections for day one of the Dante Festival.

Labeebb – 1.40 York (16/1 – Coral)

An improving handicapper from Simon & Ed Crisford’s yard, Labeebb could produce a bold effort at a big price in the 1m4f Jorvik Handicap.

The four-year-old showed his promise in a Class 2 handicap at Ascot back in September, finishing three-quarters of a length behind the winner.

His rating was only bumped up by a pound after that result and he could relish the return to turf after finishing third on the all-weather three weeks ago.

With William Buick booked, Labeebb could be one to note in the opening race of the day.

Mr Lupton – 2.10 York (11/1 – bet365)

After failing to fire on his first two starts this season, Mr Lupton could return to form here after falling down the ratings.

The eight-year-old is now just 1lb higher than his last winning mark when he landed the Bold Lad Sprint Handicap at the Curragh back in September.

If Richard Fahey’s gelding can revive his form of last season, then Mr Lupton could well be in the mix in the Churchill Tyres Handicap.

Emaraaty Ana – 2.40 York (22/1 – Ladbrokes)

A big-priced outsider in the Duke Of York Stakes, Emaraaty Ana could rediscover his useful 2yo form here for Kevin Ryan.

The son of Shamardal put up a smart effort in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket 10 days ago and he could build on that result here.

A C&D winner here in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes three years ago, the five-year-old may have a big race in him.

Emaraaty Ana is known for his speed and he could be a handful here at a decent each-way price.