Dubai hopes face key derby test at York

Dubai: Exciting Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-O Trophy winner Windhoek heads a trio of Dubai-owned horses bidding to lay down their Classic credentials in today’s (Thurs) Dante Stakes (G2) at York.

Windhoek, owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, will be joined in the significant 2,000m contest by Ghurair, who represents Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and Godolphin’s Secret Number.

The Dante Stakes is regarded as the key trial for the Epsom Derby on June 1 with nine winners of the race have achieved victory in the English blue riband. The most recent was Authorized in 2007, while 2010 runner-up Workforce went one better in the Epsom showpiece.

The Dubai trio face five rivals among Indian Chief, the ante-post favourite who is trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien. The Ballydoyle master has dominated the Derby trials winning four out the five contested over the past week.

However, Windhoek looks a major threat having maintained his unbeaten record when taking the Listed Qatar Racing Newmarket Stakes over the same course and distance on May 4.

The son of Cape Cross looks a progressive colt having won all three of his career starts.

His trainer Mark Johnston thinks highly of him and said after his recent Newmarket success.

“He has been a great horse already. He has to be supplemented for Epsom, but the supplementary thing is not an issue,” he told Racing UK.

“Obviously they would have a great number of horses at the beginning and it makes a lot more sense to supplement one or two rather than just to enter all those horses.”

John Gosden’s Ghurair was a close third to Windhoek on his reappearance and is expected to improve upon his step up in distance.

Assessing the colt’s chances the handler said: “I feel that it is the right race over the right distance for him. He is well and I was pleased with his performance at Newmarket.

“This is always a very strong Derby trial. There is the Derrinstown (Stud Derby Trial) in Ireland and the Dante in England — traditionally the best trials. The entry looks good but I am hopeful that Ghurair can run well.”

Saeed Bin Surour, who has won this race twice in the past with Moon Ballad (2002) and Classic Cliche (1995) is represented by Secret Number who lost his unbeaten record when third to Lines Of Battle in the UAE Derby at Meydan in March.

Jim Bolger, who alread has a strong hand in the Epsom Classic with hot-favourite Dawn Approach, the 2000 Guineas (G1) conqueror, runs Racing Post Trophy fifth Trading Leather.

“Everything has gone well with Trading Leather - I’m very happy with him. He needs good ground, that’s all. Hopefully, there won’t be any significant rain,” he said.

David Elsworth’s Dashing Star and the Elaine Burke-trained Libertarian add spice to a race that is glowing with depth.