Nine horses have been declared for Dante Stakes at York on Thursday with John Gosden and Aidan O'Brien doubly represented for one of the key Derby trial races on the calendar.
Ten horses have won the Dante and Derby in the same season, most recently Golden Horn in 2015, and with Epsom fast approaching this is the last chance to run the rule over some of the main contenders for the big race next month.
Gosden has picked up the Dante twice in the last three years, including with Golden Horn, and he will be relying on Roaring Lion and Crossed Baton on the Knavesmire this week. The former impressed on the Rowley Mile when 5th in the 2000 Guineas and is expected to enjoy the step up in trip, with Crossed Baton an impressive winner of the Derby Trial on his last outing to put his name into the classic mix.
Aidan O'Brien once again appears to hold all the aces in the ante-post Derby betting with Saxon Warrior the one everyone fancies, but the Ballydoyle trainer has two other possible runners heading to York. James Cook and Zabriskie both have plenty to find with Crossed Baton having been well beaten in the Derby Trial last time out but both are expected to run better here and have to be respected given their connections.
Elsewhere, Mark Johnston will be looking to nab the Dante for a second year on the bounce with Newmarket Fielden winner Mildenberger set to take his chance at York this week.
The unbeaten Wells Farhh Go will be having his first start of the season for local trainer Tim Easterby and plenty will fancy him to continue his unbeaten record. Hugely unexposed and a winner of two races at the Yorkshire venue last season, he steps up in trip from 7f for the first time and makes for a fascinating option for punters.
