Dante meeting: Frankie prefers young pretender

The Group 2 Dante Stakes at York today is without a doubt the most reliable Derby trial of recent times. In the past five years Authorized, Motivator and North Light have all gone on to Epsom glory after winning this.

Godolphin, fresh from their first winner of the European season yesterday, are responsible for a third of the six runners with Frankie Dettori electing to ride Young Pretender in preference to McCartney.

Both are making first starts for Godolphin and trainer Saeed Bin Surour explained: "Young Pretender is in good form and I am happy with him. It will be a tough race to win but we are looking forward to a good performance from him on his first start for us. The 10-furlong trip should be no problem.

"McCartney does not show us a great deal at home but he is fit and ready. I think the step up in distance could suit him."

They face stiff opposition though in the shape of the Craven Stakes winner Twice Over and Sandown Classic Trial winner Centennial.

Return to victory

Godolphin registered their first European success of 2008 as Frankie Dettori made all aboard Folk Opera, pictured, in the first race of York’s Dante meeting yesterday. Dettori punched the 6-1 chance into an early lead and the filly kept up the gallop to hold off 9-2 joint-favourite Tastahil by three-quarters of a length. Trainer Saeed Bin Surour said: "It is a good feeling when you win. This filly has worked very well since January. We started her back over a mile and a quarter but she really wants a mile and a half, so we will try and find a Listed race for her over that trip."

Later, Lush Lashes enjoyed the step up in trip when running out an impressive winner of the Musidora Stakes. Jim Bolger’s filly finished sixth in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket and proved far too hot to handle over two furlongs further. She hit the front at around the two-furlong post, and beat off Cape Amber and Dar Re Mi with something in hand.