Dante Stakes at York

York´s Dante Stakes, run today at 15.40 CET, is usually the most informative British trial for the Epsom Derby and today´s edition should be no exception, as the field looks very strong. Every winner of this race since 1995 has run in the Derby, and 5 of them have won, 3 in the last 5 years. All eyes will be on Crowded House (Brian Meehan/ Jamie Spencer), such an impressive winner last October of the Racing Post Trophy and currently quoted third favourite for Epsom. He has to win today to maintain that position in the market, but the vibes from the stable are strong and he certainly looks the best British hope to see off the strong Irish challenge in the Derby. The unbeaten pair Redwood (Barry anmd Michael Hills) and Nehaam (John Gosden/ Richard Hills), Godolphin´s Kite Wood (Frankie Dettori) and especially Aidan O´Brien´s Freemantle (Johnny Murtagh) can make life difficult for him this afternoon, but whoever wins this race is certainly a major candidate for Epsom. The other big race at York today is the Group 3 Middleton Stakes for fillies and mares over 10 furlongs at 15.10. There are only 5 runners, but they include 2 smart performers, Crystal Capella (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), winner of her last 5 races, and Dar Re Mi (John Gosden/ Dettori), who ran several excellent races last year, including a second place to Zarkava in the Prix Vermeille. She receives 4 lbs from the Stoute filly, which should swing things her way.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Strike Up The Band - Cheveton - Everymanforhimself
2. Race: Dar Re Mi - Crystal Capella - Changing Skies
3. Race: Crowded House - Freemantle - Kite Wood
4. Race: Yamal - Wasan - Extraterrestrial
5. Race: Waffle - Thunderous Mood - Rievaulx World
6. Race: Beethoven - Fine Sight - Original Dancer
7. Race: Kayf Aramis - Sonny Sam - Dayia