May 18 / 15.35 York

15.35

Good

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £109024.97
  • 1m 2f 56y
  • Class 1
  • 12 runners
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Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (Group 2)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 4911-2

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Big-race entries; won his last two starts as 2yo, notably the 1m Group 2 Royal Lodge at Newmarket in which he outpointed three rivals (including odds-on Flying Honours) in a slowly run race; good second in the Craven at Newmarket (again 1m on good) on reappearance, which he needs to improve on but it looks certain on pedigree that this move up in trip will suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(1)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

The Foxes

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

led, headed and prominent after 1f, ridden and edged right over 1f out, led final 110yds, won going away

11/8

1st

7

(1)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

The Foxes

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

led, headed and prominent after 1f, ridden and edged right over 1f out, led final 110yds, won going away

11/8

8

(10)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

The Foxes

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won the Dante at 3; wasn't far off his best when third in 1m3f Southwell conditions race in February (AW debut) but comfortably held in Group races on turf since, albeit he might have needed his latest run at Newmarket after six months off.

15/2

10/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 51-1 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Big-race entries; brother to a 7f-1m4f winner; tongue tied all starts; ran away with a maiden at Dundalk (7f, AW) on second start in November and came from last to first in six-runner Group 3 at Leopardstown (1m2f, heavy) on reappearance over six weeks ago; up with the best of these on form and has clear potential too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(5)

13th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 2f 0y

17:30 Leopardstown

White Birch

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: John Joseph Murphy

Third in 2023 Derby after Dante second; in rear in the Irish Derby and not at best here on final start at three; progressive in a hat-trick of Pattern wins at the Curragh early last season, culminating in an impressive Group 1 victory over Auguste Rodin; setbacks later, returned with a fine effort against Los Angeles; excuses behind the same horse in Tattersalls Gold Cup.

13/2

8

(4)

25th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 110y

15:05 Curragh

White Birch

9st 5lb

J: Colin Keane

T: John Joseph Murphy

Third behind Auguste Rodin in 2023 Derby after Dante second; in rear in the Irish Derby and not at best at Leopardstown on final start at three; progressive in a hat-trick of Pattern wins at this venue early last season, culminating in an impressive victory over August Rodin in this event; setbacks later, returned with a fine effort against Los Angeles; every chance he can reverse the form.

11/4

8

(4)

25th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 110y

15:05 Curragh

White Birch

9st 5lb

J: Colin Keane

T: John Joseph Murphy

Third behind Auguste Rodin in 2023 Derby after Dante second; in rear in the Irish Derby and not at best at Leopardstown on final start at three; progressive in a hat-trick of Pattern wins at this venue early last season, culminating in an impressive victory over August Rodin in this event; setbacks later, returned with a fine effort against Los Angeles; every chance he can reverse the form.

11/4

6/1

  • Place: £1.00

Form: 11-

Last run: 230 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Big-race entries but not the Derby; closely related to 12.5f winner National Ballet (RPR 93), from good family; made most to win Curragh maiden (7f, good) in August and led final 1f when following up in Saint-Cloud Group 3 (1m, very soft) in September; looks sure to make further progress at 1m2f+.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(3)

26th Jul 2025

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

16:10 Ascot

Continuous

9st 9lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Won the St Leger and fifth in the Arc in 2023 but has failed to repeat the form since and is reduced to pacemaking duties these days; as in the Coronation Cup two starts ago, looks set to cut out the fractions for stablemate Jan Brueghel before eventually being swallowed up.

125/1

8th

3

(7)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

16:20 Ascot

Continuous

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

2023 was his heyday, when winning the St Leger and fifth in the Arc; career has taken some disappointing turns since last autumn and he could be set for a front-running role at a big price today, as on his last two starts.

100/1

4

(4)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

14:40 Epsom

Continuous

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Ended his 2023 campaign with a success in the St Leger and good effort in the Arc; modest strike-rate since and has become inconsistent too; possibly in here as pacemaker for stablemate Jan Brueghel.

66/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.00

Form: 1

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second foal; brother to Italian 1m1f/1m3f winner; dam 1m winner (RPR 90); weak 11-1 for eight-runner newcomers race at Newmarket (1m, good) four weeks ago but always in touch and led just over 1f out before going 3l clear; withdrawn from Chester Listed race last week when ground was soft; very promising.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(3)

27th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:15 York

Passenger

9st 11lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Sir Michael Stoute

Failed to stay in last year's Derby and most progressive otherwise, accounting for easy Wolferton winner Israr (pair well clear) in Group 2 Huxley at Chester (extended 1m2f, good to firm) on his reappearance in May; among the market leaders for the Group 1 Prince Of Wales's at Royal Ascot on the back of that but had to miss it due to an infection; has a 3lb penalty for Chester but still the one beat.

13/8

1st

6

(4)

10th May 2024

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

15:05 Chester

Passenger

9st 3lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Sir Michael Stoute

slowly into stride, in touch with leaders, waiting for room on inner 2f out, switched right and ran on over 1f out, ridden to lead final 110yds

9/4

1st

6

(4)

10th May 2024

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

15:05 Chester

Passenger

9st 3lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Sir Michael Stoute

slowly into stride, in touch with leaders, waiting for room on inner 2f out, switched right and ran on over 1f out, ridden to lead final 110yds

9/4

Form: 122-1 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Big-race entries; dam a 1m2f Group 1 winner; won debut before runner-up in two Group races as 2yo, albeit no match for the winner in Group 1 at Doncaster (1m, heavy) on final start; rather workmanlike when he scored at 2-5 in Epsom Listed race (1m2f, soft) on reappearance, which wasn't his best form but he had more in the tank; should be in the thick of the action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(6)

30th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 4

18:42 Lingfield

Epictetus

9st 5lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Things didn't pan out his way on first crack at 1m4f here last time (AW) and that was another in-form effort; has found his level again but wants a good test over this trip, he hasn't won in a long time and has become inconsistent on turf.

7/1

3rd

2

(5)

12th May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:20 Lingfield (AW)

Epictetus

9st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Beaten half a length or less in his last three goes on the AW (7f-9.5f), but losing run up to 22 and has never attempted this far before; others safer.

5/1

2nd

1

(5)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Epictetus

9st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Has gone close recently and was only beaten half a length at Lingfield (1m, AW) 13 days ago but is without a win since landing a Group 3 for the Gosdens three years ago; looks sure to be thereabouts once again.

7/2

Form: 75-433

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won two of his first three races, from eight in total; close third of nine when making most in Listed race at Newmarket (1m1f, good to soft) last time, which is his best form but the far less experienced Canberra Legend beat him and this race is a higher grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 1f 11y

Class 3

16:55 Goodwood

Killybegs Warrior

9st 4lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Placed twice in a row in Bahrain earlier this year and didn't run badly when fifth of seven at Windsor in June following a three-month break; could build on that latest run and continues to drop down the weights, but he's without a win since July 2023 and others are more compelling.

40/1

1

(3)

30th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Killybegs Warrior

10st 4lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Well treated on old form but his last win was almost two years ago; two placed efforts in Bahrain (1m1f/1m2f) earlier this year but he returned to Britain with a heavy defeat at Kempton in March; now drops back in grade but he's hard to predict and comes with risks attached after a break.

16/1

11th

12

(12)

29th Mar 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 2

14:40 Kempton (AW)

Killybegs Warrior

9st 2lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Made most when second in this race last year off 11lb higher, the last of only three ventures on AW; that has to catch the eye and he also has a chance on turf form for Charlie Johnston as recent as September; fit from placed efforts in Bahrain for new yard this year and a case can be made.

16/1

25/1

Form: 1-2 BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Big-race entries at 1m4f; first foal; dam 14.5f winner (RPR 81); favourite for novice at Nottingham (1m, soft) last October and won it by 5l; again favourite in Newmarket novice (1m2f, good) four weeks ago, making most and no match for the winner, who was a good second in Lingfield Derby Trial last Saturday; remains capable of better, which he very much needs to be.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:25 Newbury

Liberty Lane

9st 2lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Usually races prominently; a mostly solid 2025 included 1m2f Listed wins in May and November; 2026 started in downbeat fashion (similar to last year) in Listed race and his top three ratings have been registered on softer than good; this is also a new trip (unraced beyond an extended 1m2f) but he's bred to get it and has a chance on best form; ground the chief worry.

10/1

1

(4)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Newmarket

Liberty Lane

9st 9lb

J: Shane Gray

T: K R Burke

Won the Cambridgeshire here (1m1f, soft) last autumn; also scored in a Listed race at Goodwood (1m2f, good) this May and respectable 2l fourth of six to Damysus in 1m1f course Group 3 (good to firm) three weeks ago; unlikely to be far away despite his 3lb penalty.

7/2

1

(4)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Newmarket

Liberty Lane

9st 9lb

J: Shane Gray

T: K R Burke

Won the Cambridgeshire here (1m1f, soft) last autumn; also scored in a Listed race at Goodwood (1m2f, good) this May and respectable 2l fourth of six to Damysus in 1m1f course Group 3 (good to firm) three weeks ago; unlikely to be far away despite his 3lb penalty.

7/2

Form: 1533-1

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Big-race entries; came up short in a Listed race and two Group events as 2yo but reappeared with Listed win by a neck in 11-runner contest at Newcastle (1m, AW) six weeks ago; runner-up was tailed off in the 2,000 Guineas next time; shapes as if return to 1m2f can suit but has major work to do.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Dear My Friend

9st 2lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

Useful on turf but better on AW, winning four of his six starts including twice at Listed level (won the corresponding race when it was run at Lingfield in 2024); off the track for a year but still more appealing than many.

20/1

4th

2

(9)

4th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Dear My Friend

9st 6lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Charlie Johnston

in rear

15/2

4th

2

(9)

4th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Dear My Friend

9st 6lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Charlie Johnston

in rear

15/2

OUR TIP

Form: 11

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Big-race entries; half-brother to Youth Spirit (smart form at 1m4f-14.5f); won novice at Newcastle (1m, AW) in February and vaulted straight up to Listed race at Newmarket (1m1f, good to soft) four weeks ago, in which he stayed on very stoutly to get up close home; will be suited by this extra distance and has a bright future.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(4)

23rd Aug 2023

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 1

15:00 York

Canberra Legend

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Half-brother Youth Spirit was third in this race in 2021; second win was a Listed contest at Newmarket (1m1f, good to soft) in April; disappointing in the Dante at York but back on song when fifth of 16 in Group 3 at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm) and third of six in Group 3 at Goodwood (1m4f, soft; Artistic Star fourth); needs better still to take this, which is what the same connections' Deauville Legend managed in it 12 months ago.

16/1

3rd

3

(1)

3rd Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

Canberra Legend

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Half-brother Youth Spirit was fourth in this race in 2021; second win was a Listed contest at Newmarket (1m1f, good to soft) in April; disappointing in the Dante at York but back on song when fifth of 16 in Group 3 at Royal Ascot, both about 1m2f on good to firm; stuck to his task admirably last time as if well worth a crack at 1m4f.

13/2

5th

5

(6)

22nd Jun 2023

Good

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Canberra Legend

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Won on debut at Newcastle (1m, AW) in February and finished well to follow up in Listed race at Newmarket (1m1f, good to soft) in April; something to prove after his Group 2 Dante disappointment (10.2f, good to firm) but that's not his true form and he retains potential.

11/1

25/1

Form: 2244-3

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
St James's Palace and King Edward VII entry; maiden after six races, the last three in Group events; held by Epictetus in Group 1 at Doncaster (1m, heavy) in October but better form when 3l third in the Craven at Newmarket (1m, good; helping to set the pace) on reappearance; shapes strongly as if 1m2f+ will suit but The Foxes beat him last time and improvement is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(10)

13th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:40 Chester

Dancing Magic

11st 0lb

J: Miss Megan Jordan

T: Roger Teal

Is 0-19 and he came in a below-par fifth of eight in 1m Salisbury handicap 20 days ago; he needs to take a big step forward.

14/1

5th

2

(4)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Salisbury

Dancing Magic

9st 8lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Roger Teal

Showed some smart form in defeat in his younger days, finishing fourth of eight behind Auguste Rodin in the Group 1 Vertem Futurity; runner-up three times last year, but failed to beat a rival on last month's Kempton return (7f, AW) and is now 0-18; best watched.

12/1

Form: 41131- D

Last run: 222 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Big-race entries at 1m4f; stoutly bred, from family of Lammtarra; 2-7 when The Foxes beat him in Group 2 at Newmarket (1m, good) in September, in a blanket finish to steadily run race; either side of that he won 1m Listed race at Salisbury (good to firm) and 1m2f Group 3 at Newmarket; needs better still, with a longer trip perhaps providing a better hope of that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(4)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Flying Honours

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: Charlie Appleby

Very promising at two (Listed/Group 3 winner) but well beaten in the Dante at York on sole 3yo start and fared no better in 1m2f Sandown Group 3 (Desert Hero second) on reappearance three weeks ago; has lots to prove at present.

20/1

8th

4

(4)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Flying Honours

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: Charlie Appleby

Very promising at two (Listed/Group 3 winner) but well beaten in the Dante at York on sole 3yo start and fared no better in 1m2f Sandown Group 3 (Desert Hero second) on reappearance three weeks ago; has lots to prove at present.

20/1

7th

4

(3)

26th Apr 2024

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 1

14:25 Sandown

Flying Honours

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Ran just once last year, when well beaten in the Dante at York in May (finished lame); gelded since; very promising 2yo in 2022, landing the Group 3 Zetland Stakes at Newmarket (1m2f, good) that October, and it will be no surprise if he returns with a big performance for his leading yard.

7/2

Form: 17-

Last run: 208 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Big-race entries at 1m4f; impressive on debut at Nottingham (1m, soft) in October ten days before about 10l seventh of eight in Group 1 at Doncaster (1m heavy); he was behind two of today's rivals in the latter race, but these are early days and his dam was French 1m4f/1m7f winner; has since left David Loughnane, with same owner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(1)

21st Oct 2023

Soft

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

King Of Steel

9st 3lb

J: Frankie Dettori

T: Roger Varian

raced in last, pushed along over 4f out, headway on outer from 2f out, prominent when ridden and hung right 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, led towards finish

4/1

4th

8

(5)

9th Sep 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:20 Leopardstown

King Of Steel

9st 3lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Roger Varian

held up in midfield, headway 3f out, ridden and went fourth inside final furlong, kept on well towards finish, not reach leaders

9/4

3rd

11

(3)

29th Jul 2023

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

King Of Steel

8st 12lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Roger Varian

Strapping colt who nearly won the Derby on stable/seasonal debut, leading from over 2f out until collared by Auguste Rodin near the finish (pair clear); went one better in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot where he comfortably justified favouritism while confirming he's very smart and suited by this C&D; both starts this season on good to firm but 2yo debut success came on soft; still has very low mileage, having raced just four times, and commands the utmost respect with further progress on the cards.

4/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £50.80
Straight Forecast £54.67
Tricast £168.27
Trifecta £204.10

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Epictetus

The Times:

Passenger

SPOTLIGHT:

White Birch

NEWMARKET:

Flying Honours

The Guardian:

The Foxes

LAMBOURN:

Dancing Magic

The Sun:

Canberra Legend

Daily Mirror:

Passenger

The Star:

Passenger

RP RATINGS:

White Birch

POSTDATA:

Epictetus

D Express:

Epictetus

Daily Record:

Epictetus

Telegraph:

Flying Honours

Daily Mail:

The Foxes