Five horses to follow from our experts at York on Friday

Tipster: Dave Nevison.

Best odds: 5-1.

➡️ Friday tips: Dave Nevison's best bets including a 12-1 shot at York

There aren’t too many in this big-field 0-85 handicap who arrive at this prestigious meeting at the top of their game, but Zarathos clearly does. 

He finally broke his maiden, in very good style, at Windsor last time and turns out under a penalty here. 

Dylan Cunha’s gelding was in very good form for most of last season but was running particularly well at this time of year. 

He looks as though he is an improved performer in 2026 and his running style up with the pace should suit York very well. I expect a good run from his middle draw, and he's the nap of the day on Friday.

Tipster: Katie Midwinter.

Best odds: 7-1 (e/w).

➡️ Katie Midwinter's Friday tips: 12-1 York fancy and more

The Kevin Philippart De Foy-trained Tony Montana finished a close second behind Thunder Run in this race last year from the same mark of 96. The weight difference is the same with the winner this time around, and he holds solid claims once again on the back of a decent return to action on yard debut.

The son of Kingman, who was previously trained by Michael Bell, performed with credit in his seasonal return at Newbury when last seen, finishing sixth in a competitive handicap over a mile. The step back up in trip with the benefit of race fitness on his side should allow him to pose a dangerous threat in this contest as he seeks redemption for a narrow defeat twelve months ago.

On a workable mark with course form in this race, Tony Montana is one to note at the general 7-1, capable of putting in a bold bid.

Tipster: RaceiQ nap of the day (Andy Stephens).

Best odds: 9-4.

➡️ The Data Detective: clues and tips for York on Friday

0-20mph: 2.34sec. Top Speed: 39.06mph.

Time Index: 8.2 (meeting average 7.5).

Princess D’Orange looked an exciting prospect when making all for an easy four-length win at Beverley last month.

She took just 2.34 seconds to reach 20mph and won in a time almost two seconds quicker than the RaceiQ Par, despite her jockey easing up close home. Her sire, Ardad, won the Windsor Castle and she can book her Royal Ascot ticket.

The biggest threat could be Niewiadoma, who did plenty right when winning on her debut, including on the clock. That form has been franked. 

Tipster: Nic Doggett.

Best odds: 7-1.

➡️ Boodles Yorkshire Cup: runner-by-runner guide and 7-1 tip

Put a below-par effort in the Chester Vase quickly behind him when going close in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, and again bounced back from a poor effort when easily turning away Epic Poet and four others in the Geoffrey Freer at Newbury a month later.

No impression in the St Leger on much softer ground, and asked too big a question when finishing midfield in the Melbourne Cup on his only other start. Back in much calmer waters here on his first start since being gelded. 

Tipster: Danny Archer.

Best odds: 8-15.

➡️ Danny Archer's six names to note at York's Dante Festival

Frankel colt made a huge impression on his debut when despite being slow away, he powered clear in the closing stages to record an impressive victory on Newmarket debut.

Interesting that team Gosden have decided to pitch him in here and he is taken to defy a penalty and gain even more valuable experience.