Dante Stakes at York

The Group Two Dante Stakes over an extended 10 furlongs at 15.30 CET has over the years always been the most reliable trial for the Derby, and today´s running is no exception as the 6 runners include 3 leading fancies for Epsom. 4 of the last 7 Derby winners ran here (they did not all win- Workforce finished second last year)- and whoever wins today is almost certain to start favourite at Epsom.

The problem , as so often in these trials, is that one has to choose between proven form and high promise. The latter category is represented by the Queen´s Carlton House (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and World Domination (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), while the proven form is provided by Irish raider Seville (Aidan O´Brien/ Christophe Soumillon), who finished last season by running up to Casamento in the Racing Post Trophy. As a result he is clear best on ratings here, and with the O´Brien 3yo´s currently on the crest of a wave, he will be hard to beat. The choice of Soumillon as jockey suggests that he will also partner the colt in the Derby.

Carlton House would obviously be a popular winner. The Queen has owned many classic winners in her long career as an owner and breeder, but has never so far won the Derby. The owner likes to see her top horses run; she may not make it to York but she will certainly be at Epsom, where she traditionally greets the winning connections in the Royal Box. Carlton House showed a great deal of promise in his two starts in 2010, but clearly this is a big move up. Stoute and Moore won the Derby last year, but the stable has not yet hit top form, which tempers confidence.
Workforce is owned by Khalid Abdullah, and the Saudi prince has another strong entry here in World Domination, who may well live up to his name, judging by the excellent impression he made on his debut at Newbury nearly a month ago. This team has already taken the 2,000 Guineas this year with the outstanding Frankel, but the decision was quickly made to keep him at a mile for the time being; in World Domination they may have a more than adequate deputy.

The other 3 runners look outclassed, although a good run from Yaseer (Marcus Tregoning), from the family of Nashwan, would come as no surprise; however he was 9 lengths behind Carlton House in 2010. In a fascinating renewal we expect to see World Domination and Seville fight out the finish.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Johannes - Falasteen - Blue Jack
2. Race: Midday - Timepiece - Music Show
3. Race: Seville - World Domination - Carlton House
4. Race: St Moritz - Fareer - Justonefortheroad
5. Race: Night Carnation - Margot Did - Move In Time
6. Race: Giorgio`S Dragon - Come On Blue Chip - Tortoni
7. Race: Warne`S Way - Hollins - Hawridge Star