With the Chester Vase and Dee Stakes plus the Lingfield Derby Trial in the books for another year, the Epsom Derby preliminaries are well underway. However, for those seeking pointers ahead of the 1m4f Classic on the 7th of June, the most informative domestic contest takes place at York on Thursday the 15th of May.
Acting as the centrepiece of the three-day Dante Festival, the Dante Stakes sees a field of the most promising three-year-old colts battle over 1m2½f of the Knavesmire track. The distance may be a little shorter than the 1m4f of the Epsom Derby, and the York layout more conventional than the turns and undulations at the Surrey venue, but the Dante Stakes has a healthy habit of producing the Derby hero.
Since 2000, North Light, Motivator, Authorized, Golden Horn, and Desert Crown have backed up a Dante victory with a triumphant display in the Epsom showpiece, whilst the 2024 edition fell to subsequent Irish Champion Stakes hero Economics. Will anything of that calibre emerge for the 2025 renewal?
Looking at the remaining 13 entries for the race, it would be no surprise if at least one runner progressed to claim Group 1 glory as a three-year-old. Charlie Appleby, Ralph Beckett, Andrew Balding, and John and Thady Gosden are all represented in a race which may see the most anticipated return to the track of the season to date.
Winter to Arrive in Spring
Hailing from the yard of Aidan O’Brien, The Lion In Winter raced only twice as a juvenile. However, such was the impression he created in those outings that he headed the market for both the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby heading into the winter months.
Kicking things off with a strong staying success in his maiden at the Curragh, his next step saw him head to York for the Acomb Stakes. Lining up in a competitive field of 11, The Lion In Winter produced a brilliant front-running display to finish just over two lengths clear of the 2,000 Guineas winner Ruling Court. The visual impression of the display was backed up by the clock, with his trailblazing success seeing The Lion In Winter smash the seven-furlong juvenile course record.
Unfortunately, that effort at York in August was the last time the rising star took to the track. Ruled out of the Dewhurst Stakes with a minor injury, he then missed his 2,000 Guineas assignment due to taking a little longer than anticipated to come to hand.
Despite such a long absence, The Lion In Winter retains his place atop the Epsom Derby market at a general price of 3/1. As such, it is no surprise that the Sea The Stars colt heads the Dante betting at a general 4/5.
Godolphin Supplement Unbeaten Star
Scandinavia and Trinity College may accompany The Lion In Winter on the boat from Ballydoyle, with one possibly booked for pacemaking duties. However, as is often the case, the biggest threat to the O’Brien-trained market leader may come from the boys in blue of Godolphin.
Until last Friday morning, Godolphin’s hopes looked to rest solely on the shoulders of the John and Thady Gosden-trained Devil’s Advocate. However, with that colt failing to cover himself in glory in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom, connections have stumped up the £14,000 to add Alpine Trail to the list of entries.
Sired by Godolphin flagbearer Dubawi, and out of the mare Pollara, who scored in Group 3 company over 1m4f, this late addition to the field makes plenty of appeal on paper. More encouragingly, he has looked the part at the track. Only making his debut in February of this year, three starts have yielded three wins, the most recent of which saw him comfortably claim a Listed event at Newmarket.
| Date | Race | Position | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/5/25 | Newmarket Stakes | 1st | £31,190.50 |
| 5/4/25 | York Novice Stakes | 1st | £5,832 |
| 3/2/25 | Wolverhampton Novice Stakes | 1st | £5,670 |
Immediately installed as the second favourite for the Dante, he adds significant intrigue to the field.
Wimbledon to Serve it up for A Second Time
Of the others in the potential lineup, Tuscan Hills, Pride Of Arras, Seacruiser, and Mister Rizz arrive on the back of a win. However, a bigger threat may come from the James Owen-trained Wimbledon Hawkeye, who was last sighted finishing fifth in the 2,000 Guineas. Placed in Group 1 company as a juvenile, he was less than two lengths behind The Lion In Winter in the Acomb Stakes and may get closer with race fitness on his side.
Will The Lion in Winter deliver on his juvenile potential? Can Alpine Trail make it four from four? Or will the prize head elsewhere? As ever, the Dante Stakes is essential viewing for flat racing fans.
