Addleshaw Goddard Stakes at York Betting Tips

The Addleshaw Goddard Stakes at York on Thursday looks mightily competitive with the first three in the betting all unexposed and open to a good deal of improvement, while there are a number of in-form battle-hardened performers in the 23-strong line-up. Of the unexposed trio, the Luca Cumani-trained Pride Of Nation, a 9/2 chance with bet365, looks to have the most going for him, and rates a confident selection to come out on top in this class 2 handicap. Forget the four-year-old's latest run when sent off favourite for the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot last time, as had a disadvantageous draw and the fast going was against him. However, in contrast, everything is in the Danehill Dancer colt's favour this time - he has the give underfoot that he needs and is well-drawn in stall three. In a field of this size it pays to be drawn low over this trip of a mile on the Knavesmire, especially when the ground is riding on the soft side, and Nicky Mackay generally positions Pride Of Nation's on the heels of the leaders in his races, so it's unlikely that the selection will get into any barging matches which will inevitably taking places with the hold-up performers trying to weave their way through those beating a retreat. With just six runs under his belt, and given the style of his victories at Bath and Haydock in April and May respectively, there is good reason to suspect that there is plenty left in Pride Of Nation's locker, and he really should deliver. Dream Theme and Smart Enough both have progressive profiles not too dissimilar to that of the selection, although both have achieved their best form on top of the ground. That said, neither should be ruled out purely on the basis of the surface, but I just feel that Pride Of Nation is the most solid of the trio. At a bigger price, 14/1 with Ladbrokes, I cannot ignore the value attached to Alan Jarvis' Wise Dennis, who also relishes the prevailing conditions, is well handicapped on the pick of his form, and has been shaping as though he is returning to form of late. The Polar Falcon gelding has been running with credit on going far too quick for his liking of late and while his draw in stall 15 is far from ideal, he is well worth a small investment at current odds. He is a come-from-behind performer, so his draw will not be as detrimental as it would be for a horse that is ridden prominently, as he will be dropped in behind horses from the start and, therefore, no energy will be expended in trying to gain a handy position. He will need luck in running, but with the irrepressible champion-elect Ryan Moore in the plate, he looks poised to run a big race. Verdict - 2pts Pride Of Nation @ 9/2 (bet365) & 0.50pts Wise Dennis @ 14/1 (Ladbrokes)