Dante Stakes: Telescope misses York engagement

Sir Michael Stoute's Telescope will miss the Dante

Indian Chief heads a field of eight for the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday after ante-post favourite Telescope was not declared...

Aidan O'Brien has carried all before him recently on the Derby trials front and his latest candidate was impressive in winning a Leopardstown maiden last month.

In the shock absence of Telescope, the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing operation rely solely on the Luca Cumani-trained Greatwood, who missed the Lingfield Derby Trial on Saturday due to rain-softened ground. Kieren Falllon would not have been able to ride at the weekend due to suspension but is back in action on the Knavesmire.

Saeed bin Suroor seeks a third Dante success with Secret Number, who lost his unbeaten record when third to O'Brien's Lines Of Battle in the UAE Derby. He will be ridden by Silvestre de Sousa.

Mark Johnston's Windhoek (Joe Fanning) has already run twice this season, picking up a valuable sales prize at Newmarket - where he edged out Greatwood - and following up back on the Rowley Mile in a Listed event.

Ghurair for John Gosden further represents that sales race at Newmarket as he was third that day, while Jim Bolger runs an interesting contender in Trading Leather, last seen finishing fifth in the Racing Post Trophy to Kingsbarns.

David Elsworth's Dashing Star and the Elaine Burke-trained Libertarian complete the field.

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