Harry Angel wins at York's Dante meeting; Give And Take claims Musidora Stakes

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Harry Angel wins at YorkImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Harry Angel has won five out of nine races - with all his defeats coming at Ascot

Harry Angel will be aimed at Royal Ascot next month after the sprinter returned with a comfortable win at York.

The 4-9 favourite, ridden by Adam Kirby for trainer Clive Cox, beat Brando by two lengths in the Duke of York Stakes.

Bookmakers reacted by cutting the winner's odds for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Ascot to about 3-1 from 4-1.

Give And Take, trained by William Haggas, won the Musidora Stakes under James Doyle.

The race is traditionally a trial for the Oaks, although Haggas said it was not certain the filly would run in the Epsom Classic on 1 June.

Trainer Richard Fahey enjoyed a 857-1 treble with victories for George Bowen, Clubbable and Charming Kid.

Last year's July Cup winner Harry Angel will be seeking a first Ascot win at the Royal meeting - with all four defeats in his nine-race career coming at the Berkshire track.

"People mention he's never won at Ascot but I think they are reading too much into it," said Haggas.

With racecourses in the spotlight after brawls at Goodwood and Ascot, the first day of the Dante meeting passed off without major incident.

Image source, Cornelius Lysaght
Image caption,

A sniffer dog was in operation at York after reports that trouble at Goodwood and Ascot was caused by drug-taking racegoers

Big Orange out for season

Big Orange, winner of last year's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, has been ruled out for the season.

The popular seven-year-old was due to bid for consecutive victories in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown later this month.

But trainer Michael Bell said the horse would be sidelined with a leg injury.

"It's a body blow for all concerned but the vet is cautiously optimistic that it should heal in time," he said.

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