The Epsom Derby is the daddy when it comes to flat racing in the UK and with the big race fast approaching, today we get one last chance to run the rule over some of the potential contenders.
The Dante Stakes is widely considered to be the premier trial for the Derby in the UK and there are nine runners engaged for the 1m2f contest this afternoon. There is no finer setting than York for one of the biggest early season races of the summer and with the ITV cameras live in attendance, we can expect plenty of interest.
In total, ten winners of the Dante have gone to Epsom and won the Derby, with the last being Golden Horn in 2015, and all eyes will be on the field today to see if we can see an 11th horse do the famous double. 2015 was a stellar year for the York race with Jacks Hobbs, the runner-up that day, going on to win the Irish Derby so it can be one of the most exciting Group 2 races of the season.
A field of nine will go to post today and it should be a cracking contest...
1. Crossed Baton - John Gosden has trained two of the last three Dante winners and has every chance of making it three in four with this likeable colt. An impressive winner of the Epsom Derby Trial last time out and although this is tougher, it would be s surprise if he was out of the mix.
2. James Cook - Any Aidan O'Brien runner is to be respected and we can expect a better run than when 4th behind Crossed Baton in the Derby Trial. Clearly not the best of the Ballydoyle Derby contenders but Ryan Moore rides and would be no surprise to see him run a big race.
3. Merlin Magic - Not good enough when down the field in a Group 1 last year but was an impressive winner of a 1m handicap at Sandown on only start this term. Should improve again but this is a bigger ask and others are preferred.
4. Mildenberger - Behind Roaring Lion in a Group 2 last year so form to find there but clearly going the right way following listed success at Newmarket last time out. Not entered in the Derby at this stage but should be well suited by the extra stamina test today.
5. Nordic Lights - Un-raced in 2017 but a winner on both starts this term in lower level contest for in form connections. A massive step up in class but Godolphin are clearly looking to find out how good this colt is. Hugely unexposed.
6. Roaring Lion - Royal Lodge winner and only beaten a neck by Saxon Warrior in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October at Group 1 level. improved steadily on two starts this term, including when a staying on 5th in the 2000 Guineas. Perhaps the best of these on form and should enjoy the trip.
7. Wells Farhh Go - Positive vibes for Tim Easterby trained son of Farhh who will be having his first start since August. A winner of both his races last year at York down at 7f which looks like good form and is expected to enjoy the extra stamina test. Interesting.
8. White Mocha - Not out of the first two on four starts so far and ran a solid race when 2nd in the Craven Stakes on only appearance in 2018. This is another step up again though and others may have a little more class.
9. Zabriske - Looks the outsider of the field having been below par on his last two starts for Aidan O'Brien. Son of Frankel has the pedigree but impossible to fancy given his last start at Epsom and looks to have it all in his plate.
This could be a cracking race this afternoon with some high quality colts putting their credentials on the line with both the Derby, and the rest of the season in mind. Roaring Lion has the form in the book and will be too good if he takes to the extra trip as we expect and continues to improve, with Wells Farhh Go and Mildenberger the two who could be open to the most improvement.
