York trial holds key to Queen’s Derby prospects

It comes after trainer Sir Michael Stoute named the totesport Dante Stakes on May 12 as the colt’s intended trial ahead of the blue riband Epsom race.

Her Majesty has sought a Derby winner ever since her horse Aureole was narrowly beaten by the Sir Gordon Richards-inspired Pinza in 1953 – Coronation year.

Stoute certainly knows how to train Derby winners. He has won the Classic five times, including last year’s renewal when Workforce – second in the Dante – romped home under Ryan Moore before winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

Carlton House, a 10-1 Derby chance, was last seen winning a maiden at Newbury last autumn. However, the form was franked last week when Yaseer, the runner-up, was an eye-catching third in Newmarket’s Craven Stakes.

“Carlton House had a foot infection, but he’s moving into strong work and seems to be progressing well,” said Stoute.

“We’ll soon decide where we’re going to aim him and he’ll go for a Derby trial. The Dante is a possibility as it’s a race we like.”

It will not be easy. Possible opponents include Henry Cecil’s precocious Frankel, though no decision will be taken until after next weekend’s 2000 Guineas – the first Classic of the 2011 Flat campaign.

Cecil’s stable jockey, Tom Queally, has also indicated that World Domination is a Dante contender after winning his racecourse debut at Newbury last weekend.

The horse, which did not race as a two-year-old because of a back injury, was an emphatic winner at the Berkshire track – just like the aforementioned Frankel in the Greenham Stakes.

“World Domination justified the hype,” Queally wrote on his blog yesterday.

“I was pleasantly surprised at the manner of his victory. I always thought he had a big future, but to do it so convincingly was very encouraging.

“I imagine he will go for a key trial now like the Dante, which will tell us if he’s ready for the Derby.”

As to Frankel, Queally cannot wait for the Guineas.

He added: “He was by no means fully fit at Newbury so he will kick on from there, and we have a pacemaker now, so I think all boxes are ticked.”