We’ve reached the Dante Festival at York, one of the highlights of the spring and a crucial pointer as to what’s to come.
There are novice and handicap races this week, but crucially some outstanding Group 2’s. Many horses within these events will go on to win Group 1 races, and in some cases they already have. We’re taking a look at days two and three, incorporating the titular race and key Derby trial.
Thursday
Middleton Stakes (3:13)
The Middleton is run over the Dante distance, an extended 1¼ miles. This is a Group 2 event for the older fillies and mares.
Beautiful Love is interesting for Charlie Appleby. She’s had two runs this year and is Cinderella’s Dream’s lead horse, so she’s certainly fit. Doha has been well backed and can improve, though there’s evidence she’s better on soft.
Others such as Sioux Life and Royal Dress can get involved, while See The Fire is the one for money. That said, there’s no real excuse for her defeat behind Al Aasy leaving NAKHEEL as the real smart bet.
The drop in trip is an interesting move by Owen Burrows for a filly who did nothing but improve last year. She had the Yorkshire Cup as an option, but she’s taking this race in and she looks the real class act in it.
Dante Stakes (3:45)
This race is often obsessed over as being the top Derby trial. It’s true, but it is also a £192,000 Group 2 in its own right and it takes some winning. Horses in this race need to be fully ready, or perhaps just very good, while they don’t improve as much from this race in the Derby as they do from other trials. Something to keep in mind for Epsom.
The Dante sees the eventual return of The Lion In Winter, the Derby favourite, after 267 days off having won the Acomb here last summer. He beat the Guineas winner Ruling Court that day, but the Godolphin horse had been odds-on to beat him and with good reason. He needs to be ready for this.
Alpine Trail (Appleby/Godolphin) is now 3 from 3. He needs to improve if the favourite turns up, but that improvement is coming, and the team may supplement this classy sort for the Derby.
Devil’s Advocate is underrated at a massive price, Wimbledon Hawkeye is solid and Damysus evokes memories of Adayar in losing out in the Classic Trial but clearly needing time to improve. They are all interesting.
It would be absolutely no surprise if The Lion In Winter wins this, but his price of 10/11 is based at least in part on reputation. ALPINE TRAIL might, just might, get up to the required level and is very definitely going the right way. The smart money will be on him at 11/2.
Expect exchange money for Derby hope Wimbledon Hawkeye, while Devil’s Advocate and especially Damysus have each-way chances at attractive odds.
Westow Stakes (4:18)
Tropical Storm has a potential fitness advantage in this five-furlong three-year-old race, but AESTERIUS won on his racecourse debut last year will be ready to rock for Archie Watson. James Doyle is missing for Wathnan Racing, but his best mate William Buick is a more than able sub and can get the job done.
Novice Stakes (4:55)
Charlie Appleby unleashed Mehmas colt WISE APPROACH at Ascot recently on Trials Day and he duly obliged. Wednesday’s first show of 9/4 about him was quickly re-evaluated, before William Hill’s early 15/8 was also snapped up. We’re not sure what price he’ll be available at, but he’s quality.
Wise Approach had the National Stakes under consideration, but this is a wiser move. He won over five on debut and would face a stiff six furlongs if running in the Coventry, so this race over six is a much better prep.
Tadej looks the main danger, in fact he was only three quarters of a length behind Wise Approach on debut and gets a 5lb pull. His trainer gets them well ready first time out though, and Wise Approach more likely has that extra improvement in him especially over this trip.
Friday
Sky Bet Fillies’ Stakes (3.13)
There are some nice three-year-old fillies in this one-mile Listed race. Elsie’s Ruan, Glittering Surf, Royalty Bay, Serving With Style, Bermuda Longtail, Troia and Gulya will all likely be backed.
It was the way in which CONSECRATED won on debut at Newbury in April that sets her apart and she is the selection. She is a Group performer, of that there is no doubt, and she’s been given five weeks by William Haggas between races to recover and improve. We should see the fruits of that here.
Yorkshire Cup (3:45)
The 1¾-mile Yorkshire Cup is the last of the week’s big Group 2 races. The field has been really torn apart, Trawlerman being a notable absentee. We’re left with a small but select five contenders.
Continuous (Aidan O’Brien) has reached a good level, but he has gone steadily backwards over time. Epic Poet is solid and stays two miles but is likely to be outclassed if not outstayed.
Sweet William (Gosdens) is another solid stayer, but he’s one that will no doubt be better for the run and perhaps an extra couple of furlongs. Alsakib, trained by Andrew Balding, is arguably the one being a little underestimated.
REBEL’S ROMANCE is the interesting newcomer to the Cup scene. He may or may not improve for this trip at his age but in any case, it will at least give him the time he needs to get into his race, and he can outclass this lot. Whether he can stay the Gold Cup distance depends on how he finishes here.