A competitive handicap gets the ball rolling for the 2017 Dante Festival
A competitive handicap gets the ball rolling for the 2017 Dante Festival with Charlie Appleby’s Lovell currently topping the market. The 4yo was last seen running at Royal Ascot but despite this near year-long absence, Oddschecker punters have not been discouraged. The favourite has been the most popular selection with users, accounting for just under 15% of all bets placed on the race. Former course and distance winner Master Carpenter is next best with 12% of bets despite not winning for over two years.
Another tough handicap follows in the 14.55 with no fewer than 17 runners. There are two clear picks amongst Oddschecker punters with Roger Fell’s Muntadab the most popular. The selection of Oddschecker tipster Sam Turner has attracted over 15% of all bets and almost 19% of all money staked on the race. Flying Pursuit has also proven popular with 13% of all bets and stakes in the race.
In the Group 2 Duke Of York Stakes Kevin Ryan’s Brando is one of the best-backed horses of the day with over 33% of all bets placed on the race. The 5/2 favourite was a well backed winner of the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last time out and it appears punters have kept the faith with the 5yo with almost half of all money staked on the race is on the jolly. 16/1 outsider Tasleet is the next most popular in terms of bets places (16%) with Group 1 winner The Tin Man bringing in 15% of money stakes despite just 11% of bets.
The Musidora won’t appeal to many as a betting proposition with Shutter Speed a 4/7 favourite for trainer John Gosden. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Oddschecker punters are looking elsewhere for value with only 24% of bets on the favourite, making her the third most popular horse in the race in terms of bets placed. Topping the list is Roger Varian’s Serenada. The twice-raced 3yo has a mountain to climb based on the ratings but has still attracted over 34% of all bets placed on the race.
Another handicap follows the Group action and it features another stand out runner for Oddschecker users. Over 38% of bets placed on the race have been on John Gosden’s current favourite Chessman, accounting for 64% of total stakes. Second favourite Battered, is next best but with a comparatively measly 9% of bets.
The 2yos take centre stage in the 17.05 and with very little form to go on, any market clues could be gold dust. With that in mind, the two to side with according to Oddschecker users appear to be It Don’t Come Easy and Santry. Both are towards the top of the betting the former attracting 29% of all bets and the former 22%.
The final race on day one could be a very profitable one for Oddschecker users if popular pick Lac Leman does the business. The 12/1 shot has been responsible for 15% of all bets and is the best-backed horse in the race.
