The Dante Stakes

The Dante Stakes will be run over 1 mile and 2 furlongs at 2.40 GMT today. The race takes place at York race course on the famous Knavesmire. The course within the city boundaries is unusual as this area is unsuitable for development being a large marshy area. Historicaly it was a place of execution, Dick Turpin was the most famous criminal to be hanged there.

The Dante has been a Derby trial since 1958. It is run over a distance only 2 furlongs shorter than the Epsom classic. Several winners of the Dante have gone on to win The Derby. Running as it is barely three weeks before The Derby this race is going to be a good guide to form. Moreover no fewer than 9 out of the 10 runners are Derby hopefuls. Chief among these is Crowded House currently third favourite for The Derby at 11/2. He goes off at 6/4 favourite for the Dante and will greatly enhance his chances should he win today.

My fancy is Redwood his odds of 8/1 today belie a career of 5 wins from 5 starts. The formidable in form team of trainer Barry Hills and jockey Michael Hills could prove too strong for this quality field. So put your money on now I have a feeling his odds of 33/1 will shorten after today's race.

The other runners are Black Bear Island, Glass Harmonium, Freemantle, Kite Wood, Neeham, Sans Frontieres, and Native Ruler all declared for The Derby Monitor Closely is not.

The final field for The Derby is likely to be around 20 runners so today's race is vital for these contenders chances. I will post the results here later

Black Bear Island 6/1 won by a head from the long time leader Freemantle 13/2 Sans Frontiere 12/1 was third. Crowded House was never in the frame. Well what does this tell us about The Derby? Its going to be as difficult as always to predict the winner. What of Redwood well he never showed so I suppose its back to the drawing board. Where's that pin of mine.....................