Dante Stakes preview: Runners, odds and a verdict for Thursday’s main event

The Derby trials continue to come and it’s the prestigious Dante Stakes up next on Thursday. York‘s Group 2 for three-year-old is a historic race in its own right and it’ll be live on ITV. We’ve provided an analysis of all seven runners and offered a verdict for the the big race. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

Runners and odds

1. Al Musmak

Roger Varian’s colt was a useful juvenile last term and he finished second in the Group 2 Royal Lodge at Newmarket. He’s entitled to develop into a smart performer this year and he won’t be far away.

2. Ancient Widsom

This horse went from strength to strength last season and capped off a fine campaign with victory in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy at Doncaster. Making his seasonal debut here, Charlie Appleby’s colt could be a force over middle-distances this year.

3. Cambridge

Aidan O’Brien supplemented this horse and that could be significant in itself. The son of Dubawi was a fair juvenile but he probably has a bit to find here.

4. Caviar Heights

Karl Burke’s three-year-old probably has a bit to find on his juvenile form but it was a different story entirely at Newmarket when last seen. He absolutely bolted up in a Listed race when upped to 1m2f for the first time and is going the right way.

5. Economics

Thoroughly unexposed, this three-year-old has had just two starts thus far and he got off the mark in a Newbury maiden last month. It’s hard to know how much improvement we’re likely to see and he’s probably best watched here.

6. God’s Window

John & Thady Gosden’s runner was disappointing when last of four in the Dee Stakes at Chester last week and looks vulnerable here on that evidence.

7. War Rooms

This thrice-raced colt is the outsider of the field and it’s easy to see why. Disappointing when sixth on seasonal reappearance at Sandown last time out, he needs to find another level or two.

Verdict

Ancient Wisdom was an exceptional juvenile that improved towards the backend of the season, suggesting that he can progress at three. The Godolphin-owned colt will proved very hard to beat if that’s the case and it’ll be on to the Derby after victory here.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.