Good afternoon from Knavesmire in York! Aidan O’Brien is on the verge of completing a remarkable streak in this year’s Epsom Classic trials. His horse, The Lion In Winter, has become the favorite for next month’s Derby after claiming victory in the Acomb Stakes here nine months ago. Can he deliver in the Dante Stakes this afternoon?
In recent weeks, other contenders for Epsom glory have also made their presence known, including Ruling Court, the 2,000 Guineas winner, alongside a steady stream of trial winners from O’Brien’s yard.
However, it feels like they’ve just been biding their time until The Lion In Winter makes his appearance. This horse had Ruling Court back in third place during their last encounter here in August, and he’s been viewed as O’Brien’s top prospect for the Derby ever since.
The moment of truth approaches at 3:45 p.m. today, as 11 runners are set to line up for the Group Two Dante Stakes, the highlight of the three-day event at York. Interestingly, The Lion In Winter has been slightly shaky in the betting markets, drifting from around even money to 11-8. Competing for his throne are Wimbledon Hawkeye, Pride Of Arras, and Alpine Trail, with Damysus also worthy of a mention.
Any of these could end up having single-digit odds for the Derby by 4 p.m., while The Lion In Winter might find himself at 33-1—or somewhere in between—depending on his performance today.
While the Dante is the obvious star of the card, the supporting races hold their own appeal. The Middleton Stakes, also a Group Two, features Andrew Balding’s See The Fire, who finished fifth among 11 runners in last year’s Champion Stakes, and looks poised to become a serious contender for Group One races this year. The ground at Knavesmire remains good to firm, good in places, and the action kicks off at 2:10 with a large field set for a five-furlong handicap.
