Dante Stakes: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Luca Cumani: Trainer of Dante hope Greatwood.

Timeform assess the field for Thursday's highlight at York, the Group 2 Dante Stakes...

Dashing Star is a half-brother to connections' smart Barshiba. Easily best effort in 2-y-o maidens when winning at Nottingham. Respectable fifth in handicap at Sandown on return but taking huge hike in class now.

Ghurair looked promising when winning 2 of 3 starts last year, battling well to win valuable sales race at Newmarket. Good third to Windhoek and Greatwood in similar event on return, seeing this trip out well.

Greatwood shaped well in maidens at 2, finishing strongly to get off the mark at Kempton. Much improved when just denied by Windhoek in valuable sales race at Newmarket on return and is fancied to gain revenge.

Indian Chief cost 360,000 as a yearling and confirmed debut promise when easy winner of Leopardstown maiden last month. Open to significant improvement for yard who has won 3 of last 7 renewals of this race.

Libertarian is a half-brother to smart pair Prince Siegfried and Bigzam, and justified market confidence to win maiden at Pontefract. Comfortably held in Group 3 at Sandown next time, though, and this even harder.

Secret Number is superbly bred, and has quickly developed into a smart performer, impressive when winning first 2 starts before poorly placed in UAE Derby. Remains an exciting prospect ahead of first run on turf.

Trading Leather finished second in listed race on debut before winning next 2 starts, including when game winner of Group 3 at Newmarket. Ground possibly against him in Racing Post Trophy final run. Will stay.

Windhoek overcame greenness to make a winning debut at Nottingham, and stepped up on that to win a valuable pot at Newmarket on belated return. Comfortably landed odds there next time and considered.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Greatwood
2. Indian Chief
3. Windhoek

Timeform Verdict: Plenty of potential on show as expected for a race of this nature, with 5 of the 8 runners entered for the Derby. Windhoek, Greatwood and Ghurair filled the first 3 places in that order in a valuable race at Newmarket last month, but it was Greatwood who shaped best and can find the required improvement to land this. Indian Chief and Secret Number are others to consider.

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