ITV Racing Tips - Thursday 15th May 2025

14:10 – York

There seems to be tonnes of pace in this sprint handicap, notably up high in the form of Zoulu Chief, Fine Wine and Mon Na Slieve who all like to front run and are drawn within 5 stalls of each-other. This could set the race up for something off the pace and I am hoping that is going to be VANTHEMAN.

I thought Kevin Ryan’s horse was eye-catching at Newmarket on seasonal comeback over 6f, hitting the front 2f out after cruising into the race before seemingly blowing up.

He returns to York where he has form figures of 524 and it seems like a course that suits him. He has also dropped back to a mark of 90, just 2lb above his last winning mark.

I think there are obvious dangers in and around him, notably American Affair and Shagraan, but at 9/1 I’m happy to play Vantheman.

VANTHEMAN 9/1 0.5PT EW

14:42 – York

This race sees the same old faces return every year and NORTHERN EXPRESS must know the name of this race by now. He comes here after blowing the cobwebs away at Thirsk (like he usually does) and has the cheek-pieces go back on which should mean business.

His record at the track is there for all to see and hopefully he can go one better than last year and at double digit odds, he looks worth siding with each way.

NORTHERN EXPRESS 10/1 0.5PT EW

15:13 – York

I think this race is at the mercy of SEE THE FIRE and I think connections would be disappointed if she can’t win this.

She was a very solid operator at the top level last season, highlighted by her 2nd place in the G1 Nassau to Opera Singer. She has won on her only run at York which has to be a positive too and she has also has a run under her belt.

I certainly wouldn’t be laying her at 6/4, and I am happy to play her at those odds.

SEE THE FIRE 6/4 3PT WIN

15:43 – York

This looks arguably the best Epsom Derby Trial that we have seen and of course all the rage is about The Lion In Winter – who beat Wimbledon Hawkeye and Ruling Court in the Acomb on his last start as a 2yo.

Of course, if he returns fit and ready he is the one to beat but Aidan O’Brien has seen a lot of horses tend to need the run – and Magnier’s interview yesterday wasn’t inspiring on his fitness.

I am looking to side with the re-opposing Wimbledon Hawkeye here who looks a solid option at 13/2 for an each-way bet. He finished 2nd in the Craven on return and then ran a nice race to finish 5th in the Guineas – staying on late in the day.

I think 10f looks set to be his trip and it would be no shock to me if fitness proved crucial here.

WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE 13/2 1PT EW

16:18 – York

Aesterius is certainly the horse to beat here on 2yo form but he has to give away the benefit of fitness and also 5lb to TROPICAL STORM, who surely with that in mind has to be a bet at 3/1.

I thought his return in the G3 Palace House last weekend was more than satisfying and I expect a change of tactics today and to either lead or be prominent – that should give him a massive chance.

TROPICAL STORM 3/1 1PT WIN