Daniel Tudhope: Foundation for Derby begins at York

This year, there is record prize-money of £1.12m across the three days, part of a total of more than £7m being offered during 17 fixtures on Knavesmire. So there is much to look forward to this summer, including the 57th John Smith’s Cup day in mid-July and the Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival in August.

Who knows, visitors to the racecourse could see the winner of the Investec Derby or Juddmonte International next week?

Ten winners of the Betfred Dante have gone on to win at Epsom, including last year’s victorious colt Golden Horn. Coming out of the same stable, that of John Gosden, this year is Foundation. Could he be another future Classic winner?

The opening day of the Dante Festival is a royal occasion. HRH The Duke of York, who became patron of York Racecourse last year, will jointly present the trophy to the winner of the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes.

I will be hoping it is a photo that goes in my album, as Suedois, from David O’Meara’s yard, is among the entries for the six-furlong contest.

A new horse to our new stables, he’s a Group class winner in France and has already been runner-up in a Listed race at Doncaster this season. Royal Ascot could be in his sights after running at York next Wednesday.

Another horse from the yard set to run, this time on Thursday, is Lord of The Land. He disappointed in the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster, but improved at Haydock later last month. His target is the Listed Betfred TV Hambleton Stakes.

This spell of fine weather may influence plans for which are the best runners for the final day when stayers are to the fore in the Betway Yorkshire Cup, I’ll let you know my fancies right here, next Friday morning.

On the subject of David O’Meara’s stables, we are delighted with the new facilities after moving into the yard at Warthill, near York.

David is seeking a hat-trick of victories as leading trainer at York this season, a third pair of shoes from sponsor’s Charles Clinkard would help his wardrobe. I’m hoping for an injury-free season so I can have a real crack at the title of ‘Living North Leading Jockey’ at Knavesmire, after losing out to Phillip Makin in 2015.

I have 11 rides in Yorkshire this weekend and engagements on Merseyside and in Ireland.

This evening sees me at Ripon. Two miles at that track should suit Sinakar in the 8pm race, while Karl Burke’s Thankyou Stars is an improving sort and could prosper in the maiden 30 minutes later.

I’m looking forward to being reunited with So Beloved – a winner at York last May – and he runs in the 2.45pm Spring Trophy at Haydock tomorrow. We cross the Pennines in optimistic mood.

The pick of my rides at Thirsk tomorrow evening is probably Osaruveetil on his seasonal debut at 7.35pm. Another new horse for O’Meara, we like him a lot since he arrived from the yard of Yorkshireman-in-exile William Haggas.

Sunday sees me at Leopardstown where Custom Cut is in action in a Group 3 contest in which he was runner- up three years ago. He is a former York winner and he loves the Dublin track.

After returning across the Irish Sea on Sunday, thoughts turn in earnest to the Dante Festival, one of the most enjoyable meetings of the year.

An innovation at York is that visitors who register early will be able to travel by minibus to the start of the races, with former professional rider John Murray at the wheel offering insights into the sport.

County Stand badge holders can also use the refurbished Edwardian Weighing Room – the final element of a three-year £10m development scheme.

The three-day Dante Festival begins on Wednesday, with the respective daily highlights being the Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes, the Group 2 Betfred Dante Stakes and the Group 2 Betway Yorkshire Cup. Admission on each day ranges from £7 to £34. Find out more and book tickets at www.yorkracecourse.co.uk.