Danzeno can dazzle in York sprint

The Betbright Charity Sprint is the big betting race at York today (3.50), and Danzeno looks capable of defying a rise in the weights and following up his impressive Newmarket win earlier in the season.

The Mick Appleby trained gelding showed a terrific turn of foot to storm clear at headquarters and win a competitive 12-runner contest going away by three lengths in the style of a handicapper that needed keeping firmly onside.

The son of Denouce has been put up 11lb for that win, but the manner of the three-year-old’s success suggests he should remain very competitive of his revised mark of 101.

Danzeno has also had just three starts and remains open to bags more improvement, and another plus is that his handler has been in terrific form of late.

The biggest danger to Danzeno could well be the John Gosden-trained Betimes.

The filly looked a smart sort when winning by four lengths on debut at Lingfield, and connections then decided to let the daughter of New Approach take her chance in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The step up into Group 1 company, and mile trip of the fillies’ classic, proved far too much and saw Betimes trail in a well-beaten 15th of 17 to Miss France.
However, there was lots to like about the three-year-old’s run last time out when a staying on second to Aeolus in a Listed 6f contest at Haydock and Betimes looks a sprinter who should have more to offer.

Another runner that shouldn’t be underestimated is the Henry Candy trained Charles Molson.
The gelding progressed well last season, and caught the eye last time out when staying on from off the pace to finish a never nearer 1 3/4 lengths fifth of 12 to Eastern Impact over 6f at Newmarket.

The son of Monsieur Bond seems to be coming to the boil nicely, and with the Candy stable beginning to find a bit of form looks a big player.