York Dante meeting: Thursday’s tips

David Metcalf | May 11, 2016

Cardinal Walter weighted to strike

Cardinal Walter can take advantage of what looks a handy mark to land the 2m handicap which brings proceedings to a close on day two of York’s prestigious Dante meeting (17:20).

The gelding had some smart form on the level back in 2012 when trained by David Simcock, winning once and posting several solid efforts to make the frame in competitive handicaps.

They include a third in the decent class 2 contest at Goodwood, and a cracking third of 16 to Guarantee in the valuable 1m 6f Melrose Handicap at this venue off a mark of 86.

Cardinal Walter then suffered an injury and had just one run in 2013, after which he joined trainer Nicky Henderson for a career over hurdles.

Useful performer over the obstacles

The seven-year-old has since developed into a useful performer over the obstacles, winning twice to be rated 142 at his peak.

Cardinal Walter now switches back to the flat off a mark of just 90, and that looks very exploitable on the pick of his form.

His handler also has a good record in staying handicaps, and Cardinal Walter has a similar profile to No Heretic who landed the Chester Cup for Henderson last week.