Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes |
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| Group 2, York 15:45 £180,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 1m 2f 56y, Class 1  |
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The road to Epsom takes many turns, but for Wimbledon Hawkeye, the path appears to be leading to York before a potential tilt at the Betfred Derby.
The Kameko colt was a standout in James Owen’s remarkable first full season training on the Flat, hitting the frame in both the Superlative Stakes and Acomb Stakes before securing a maiden Group-race victory in the Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket.
Wimbledon Hawkeye continues his upward curve in fine style, staying on gamely in the Group 2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes with @the_doyler in the saddle 🏆@JPOwenRacing | @JuddmonteFarms pic.twitter.com/FIF0ZxFStg
— Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) September 28, 2024
An honourable third in the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster rounded off his juvenile campaign, but while many eyes are fixed on the 2000 Guineas, Owen has signalled that a return to the Rowley Mile is unlikely. Instead, the Dante Stakes at York has been identified as the key stepping stone towards Classic glory.
"Wimbledon Hawkeye is great and looks fantastic. We’re going to train him for the Dante," Owen confirmed. "He’ll have an entry for the Guineas, but at the moment, he’s not being trained for it. Right now, it’s all about the Dante with the Derby in mind—but, of course, if he tells us different, we’ll listen."
With a long season ahead, Owen is in no hurry, adding: "He gets a penalty in all the trials, but the Dante is a nice trial and he’s run well at York before, so we know he handles the track. I’ve never been in this situation before, so we’ll enjoy working it out week by week and let him tell us."
The race could play host to a potential star in The Lion In Winter, Aidan O’Brien’s leading light for the Betfred Derby.
The Sea The Stars colt, who sparkled on debut at the Curragh and followed up with an authoritative win in the Acomb Stakes on the Knavesmire, is set for a return to that very turf – but this time with Classic credentials on the line.
O’Brien, speaking with the sort of calm assurance reserved for someone who’s sent out more Derby winners than most have had hot dinners, confirmed the plan on Monday:
“He’ll be 80 or 90 per cent for the Dante… we’ll see after that if the lads want to go to the Derby with him.”
No Guineas this year – the colt isn’t quite tuned up for a Rowley Mile assault – but the Ballydoyle maestro is pleased with how his charge has wintered. Strong, professional, and importantly, not short of toe:
“He doesn’t work like a slow horse.”
The key question – as ever at this stage – is stamina. Can he stay the Derby trip? The Dante over 1m2f will offer clues, and with Ryan Moore likely to ride with a watchful eye, it’s a test that could make or break the Epsom dream.
As O’Brien subtly hints – the engine’s there, the gears are smooth, and now it’s all about how far he’ll go. York first. Then, just maybe, the long run down to Tattenham Corner.
Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (Group 2)
£180,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 1m 2f 56y, Class 1
48 remaining entries
Going:
NO. FORM HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY
1 21-2 Acapulco Bay 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
2 41-1 Almeric 3 9-2 Andrew Balding
3 4222-2 Archivist 3 9-2 William Haggas
4 1-4 Aurel 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
5 1-2 Bowmark 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden
6 1-1 Convergent 3 9-2 K R Burke
7 3-3 Crown Of Oaks 3 9-2 William Haggas
8 1-3 Damysus 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden
9 1212-1 Delacroix 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
10 116-1 Detain 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden
11 31-6 Devil's Advocate 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden
12 12-9 Expanded 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
13 114-12 Field Of Gold 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden
14 1-1 Gethin 3 9-2 Owen Burrows
15 211-6 Green Impact 3 9-2 Mrs John Harrington
16 11- Hopewell Rock 3 9-2 George Boughey
17 1-5 I Am I Said 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
NR King Of Cities 3 9-2 Richard Hannon
19 115-2 Lambourn 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
20 20131- Lazy Griff 3 9-2 Charlie Johnston
21 21 Mister Rizz 3 9-2 Ed Walker
22 3-1 Nightime Dancer 3 9-2 Richard Hannon
23 313-3 Nightwalker 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden
24 4- Noble Horizon 3 9-2 William Haggas
25 1-31 Officer 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
26 51- Pinhole 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
27 1- Pride Of Arras 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
28 214-4 Puppet Master 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
29 1-2 Push The Limit 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
30 122 Rahiebb 3 9-2 Roger Varian
31 1465-6 Rock Of Cashel 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
32 1328-3 Royal Playwright 3 9-2 Andrew Balding
33 13-11 Ruling Court 3 9-2 Charlie Appleby
34 327- Scandinavia 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
35 51- Seacruiser 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
36 51-1 Sea Scout 3 9-2 Simon & Ed Crisford
37 2213- Shackleton 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
38 021-4 Sir Dinadan 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
39 3-1 Spanish Voice 3 9-2 Andrew Balding
40 9111- Square d'Alboni 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
41 312- Stanhope Gardens 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
NR Stem 3 9-2 Richard Hannon
43 11- The Lion In Winter 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
44 134 Tiberius Thunder 3 9-2 Adrian Murray
45 142-12 Trinity College 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
46 11- Tuscan Hills 3 9-2 Raphael E Freire
47 11- Twain 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
48 3-1 Tycoon 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden
49 213-25 Wimbledon Hawkeye 3 9-2 James Owen
50 4213-2 Windlord 3 9-2 Andrew Balding
