Six races from York and Salisbury take place in front of the ITV Racing cameras on Thursday 14 May. It’s day two of the Dante Festival at York, with some quality races taking place throughout the afternoon.
Steve Chambers focuses Thursday’s Lucky 15 tips on the live terrestrial action, as he has three selections at York and a solitary pick at Salisbury.
York Racing Tips (Thursday 14 May 2026)
The live ITV action begins at York at 2.20pm, with the Dante Stakes being the feature race of the day at 4.05pm. We have three selections for the racing on the Knavesmire.
2.55 York – Diego Ventura (1pt each-way – 20/1)
A listed winner in France, Diego Ventura often found Pattern company too much last season. Placed in the Surrey Stakes at Epsom, his best display on British shores came when he was second in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. Now, Hamad Al Jehani has elected to send him into handicap company for the 2.55pm at York. He failed to in France on his last outing, but that trip of nine furlongs is likely to have stretched him. Dropping back in distance here, he takes his chance off 106 on his handicap debut. It’s a tough ask, but he’s shown some decent ability on his day and at huge odds he can run a big race.
3.30 York – Diamond Rain (1pt win – 100/30)
It’s a disappointing turn out in the Group 2 Middleton Stakes at 3.30pm with only four runners lining up. Last year’s runaway winner See The Fire is back to try and replicate that 12-length romp from 12 months ago. If she is in the same form then she has to be the one to beat, and she warmed up for this with a win at Nottingham. However, she often failed to deliver last season, so can’t be trusted. Fallen Angel has shown her best over a mile, so this trip maybe too far, so look at Diamond Rain for Charlie Appleby and William Buick. A Group 3 winner over the trip, she was last seen finishing a fine third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Sure to improve again this campaign, she’s the one that could capitalise on See The Fire running below par, and she’s certainly the value play.
3.30 York – Christmas Day (1pt win – 9/4)
Aidan O’Brien’s Classic string have been in fine fettle in recent weeks. Having dominated Chester’s May Meeting, the Ballydoyle maestro then picked up more Classic trial success at Lingfield last weekend. Now, he is set to unleash a possible Derby contender in the shape of Christmas Day. A warm order for Thursday’s Dante Stakes at 3.30pm, the Camelot colt warmed up for this event with a fine win in the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown. Winning that even by half-a-length, he’s one that is sure to improve for that first outing of the season. He will face notable rivals in the shape of Morshdi, Item and stablemate Action, but Christmas Day looks the one to beat, if he can build on that win last month.
Salisbury Racing Tips (Thursday 14 May 2026)
It’s a 2.08pm start at Salisbury for their seven-race Flat meeting. The sole race on ITV will be the 2.40pm contest. Here’s our best bet for the event…
2.40 Salisbury – Anniversary (1pt win – 6/1)
It’s interesting that Rossa Ryan heads to Salisbury rather than stay up at York. He teams up with Ralph Beckett in the 2.40pm with the top-weighted Anniversary. Winless since his debut success, he failed to fire at Beverley last time out when last of five. Prior to that he ran creditably at Kempton, when fifth of nine. He’s 2lbs lower for Thursday’s test, so a mark of 89 looks very attractive. He will need to show notable improvement on his last run, but does have the potential to improve this season over these marathon trips and he can strike in a wide open event.
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Thursday 14 May
2.55 York – Diego Ventura (1pt each-way – 20/1)
3.30 York – Diamond Rain (1pt win – 100/30)
3.30 York – Christmas Day (1pt win – 9/4)
2.40 Salisbury – Anniversary (1pt win – 6/1)
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- York – first race 13:45
- Salisbury – first race 14:08
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Steve Chambers provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Thursday 14 May, which includes selections at York & Salisbury.
Who is Steve Chambers? Steve Chambers is the editor and regular tipster and writer for GG. He has over 15 years experience in the industry and has a wealth of knowledge on all things racing.
When were Thursday’s Lucky 15 tips for York & Salisbury published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Thursday 14 May at Ascot & Lingfield were published at 2.30pm on Wednesday 13 May.
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