Timeform UK SmartPlays: Thursday May 16

It is Dante Stakes day at York.

Timeform advise bets at both York and Newmarket on Thursday...

David Elsworth may not have the numbers, nor the fire power he used to have buts that's not to say he hasn't still got his finger firmly on the pulse. He is currently running at an almost 22% strike rate this season and it looks like he could increase that percentage with Cheworee in the 13:45 at York. A winner on her seasonal reappearance at Windsor last month Cheworee looks the ideal candidate for a race of this nature, her strong travelling style allied with the combination of a stable in form and Paul Hanagan booked for the ride bode well for the chances of this unexposed four year old. The draw seems to have been kind and a big run is expected.

Highclere took last year's Dante with Bonfire and it may just be they have another decent recruit to go to war with in the shape of Greatwood (14:45 York). Luca Cumani's charge made a very encouraging reappearance when just failing to get the better of the re-opposing Windhoek at Newmarket last month, but he is expected to reverse that form here having shaped like the best horse at the weights. With improvement highly likely, the vote goes to Greatwood who can strip fitter for his last outing and continue his upward curve.

We go to Newmarket for the final selection and a chance is taken on Andrew Balding's Omar Khayyam (19:00 Newmarket) to continue his progression. The maiden he won at Lingfield in December has thrown up several subsequent winners and although we haven't seen him since, the booking of William Buick catches the eye on his return. The trip looks ideal and there is no reason why this improving colt cannot continue the winning thread now sent handicapping. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Cheworee @ 10.5n/a in the 13:45 at York
Back Greatwood @ 5.95/1 in the 14:45 at York
Back Omar Khayyam @ 8.07/1 in the 19:00 at Newmarket

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