15:35 York

Thursday 12 May 2022

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:37 | Winning time: 2m 9.46s

(2)

Bluegrass⁴⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 98

7/1

Steadily progressive colt who stepped up on 2-y-o form when fourth in the Ballysax (Group 3, 10f) at Leopardstown on return, shaping as if ready for 12f. Yard have dominated the Derby Trials in recent weeks but this one would be a surprise winner.

Form: 614-4

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(8)

Dark Moon Rising²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: K Stott| T: K A Ryan| OR: 100

20/1

Useful colt who made a winning return in class 2 event at Chelmsford. Creditable fourth in listed event at Newcastle since but firmly up against it here.

Form: 7123-14

(3)

Desert Crown¹⁹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R Kingscote| T: Sir Michael Stoute

7/2

280,000 gns yearling, Nathaniel colt who could hardly have made a more impressive debut at Nottingham in the autumn, storming clear. Plenty about him physically and open to significant improvement (current second favourite for the Derby). Yard has won this 6 times.

Form: 1-

(7)

El Bodegon²⁰¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J Ferguson| OR: 112| D

4/1

Most progressive at 2 yrs, ending the season with a win in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (9.9f, soft) by 1½ lengths from current Derby favourite Stone Age. albeit seen to good effect from the front. That's the best form on offer so must be considered with stamina already proven.

Form: 21311-

(4)

Kingmax²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Rossa Ryan| T: D Loughnane| OR: 101

28/1

Showed promise for Roger Varian last year and stepped up markedly when bolting up in a novice at Kempton in March. Improved again when fourth in the Craven at Newmarket 4 weeks ago, albeit beaten over 6 lengths. More needed again stepping up in trip.

Form: 22-14

(6)

Magisterial¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 99| D

6/1

Frankel colt from an excellent family and confirmed debut promise when off the mark in 1m novice at Haydock in October. Improved a chunk when defying a penalty at Leicester over this trip on return, though that form received a knock at Windsor on Monday. Stable has won this 3 times since 2015.

Form: 41-1

(1)

Royal Patronage¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Jason Hart| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 112| C

7/2

Front runner who was impressive winner of Acomb here before following up in Royal Lodge at Newmarket, snatching victory from Coroebus who kicked too soon. Struck into in the Futurity at Doncaster final 2-y-o start and ran to form when 8th in 2000 Guineas on return. Looks ready for this longer trip.

Form: 21118-8

(9)

White Wolf¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: D Tudhope| T: S bin Suroor

25/1

Invincible Spirit colt who made a promising start to his career when winning Southwell novice (1m) 17 days ago, overcoming inexperience. This demands plenty more but clearly has potential.

Form: 1

Rule 4

Rule 4 applies to all bets - deduction 10p in the pound

Non-Runners

(5)

Masekela²⁸

Weight: 9-2| Age: 3

T: A M Balding J: Jason Watson

Forecasts

Desert Crown (7/2), Royal Patronage (7/2), El Bodegon (4/1), Magisterial (6/1), Bluegrass (7/1), Masekela (8/1), Dark Moon Rising (20/1), White Wolf (25/1), Kingmax (28/1)

Those that dominate the market are all about potential so surely EL BODEGON represents some value having already beaten current Derby favourite Stone Age in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud in October. There's no getting away from the market vibes surrounding Desert Crown and he looks a colt with significant potential despite the bare form of his Nottingham maiden win being nothing special. Royal Patronage should be suited by this step up in trip and makes each-way appeal.