Cracksman to put Derby credentials on line in York's Dante Stakes
JOHN GOSDEN'S unbeaten colt Cracksman will put his Derby credentials on the line against 10 rivals in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.
Winner of his only start at two, he reappeared in the Investec Derby Trial at Epsom, scrambling home from Mark Johnston’s Permian, who reopposes on the Knavesmire and has subsequently franked the form at Newmarket.
Godolphin, successful in the Lingfield Derby Trial on Saturday with Best Solution, are throwing four exciting prospects at the Group Two.
Saeed bin Surror runs Benbatl, third to Eminent in the Craven on just his second start, while Charlie Appleby is represented by Wolf Country, a Listed winner in France over a mile and a half already this season.
The Kevin Ryan-trained Syphax won the Acomb Stakes last season before being bought by Godolphin while David Elsworth’s Frankel colt Swiss Storm is owned in partnership with Lordship Stud.
Joseph O’Brien has a likely candidate in Rekindling, who was with David Wachman last year, and won the Ballysax on his return to action.
O’Brien’s father Aidan is represented by Exemplar, third in the Beresford Stakes last season.
Sir Michael Stoute’s Crystal Ocean has been well supported for both the Dante and Derby this week and takes his chance, while Richard Fahey’s Forest Ranger, who beat Syphax in a £100,000 contest at Newcastle on Good Friday, is another solid contender.
The field is completed by David Menuisier’s Contrapposto, fourth in the Craven first time out this year.