Dante Stakes: Telescope focused on York

Sir Michael Stoute trains Derby prospect Telescope

Telescope tops a total of 15 contenders remaining for the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday...

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt is among the leading fancies for the Derby after shedding his maiden tag in fine style at the second attempt at Newmarket last September.

Connections resisted the temptation to step up to Pattern company for one of the autumn juvenile events and he will make his return in the Group 2 heat.

"This has very much been the long term plan for a while. I spoke to Sir Michael yesterday and he was very pleased with the horse," said Highclere racing manager Harry Herbert.

"He's been working very well and it's time to see what we have got and whether he is a Derby horse or not. We need to know where we stand with him but he looks a special horse."

"The galloping track at York should suit him, that's why Sir Michael was keen to start there, and it should be a proper race."

Aidan O'Brien's Battle Of Marengo is still among the possibles at this stage, but he is declared to run in the Derrinstown Derby Trial at Leopardstown on Sunday.

That leaves 2000 Guineas sixth Mars, recent Leopardstown winner Indian Chief and Festive Cheer, a Dundalk maiden winner, as O'Brien's possible starters.

Windhoek, winner of both his starts this term, is a possible for Mark Johnston along with stablemate Maputo, who was an easy winner at Hamilton earlier this month.

Jim Bolger has Trading Leather and Loch Garman in the frame, although the latter is also declared for the Derrinstown.

Godolphin have just one entry in Secret Number, who finished third in the UAE Derby in March.

Lingfield Derby Trial-bound Greatwood is still in for Luca Cumani as is Contributer, who lines up in the Dee Stakes at Chester.

Dashing Star, Ghurair and Libertarian complete the possibles.

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