Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes |
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| Group 2, York £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.
2024 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (Group 2)
£180,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 1m 2f 56y, Class 1
7 ran
Going: Good
POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (6) Economics 3 9-2 William Haggas Tom Marquand 6/1
2 (5) 6 Ancient Wisdom 3 9-2 Charlie Appleby William Buick 7/4F
3 (2) ½ War Rooms 20 3 9-2 Owen Burrows Jim Crowley 25/1
4 (7) 2¼ Cambridge 3 9-2 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 10/1
5 (1) 1¼ God's Window 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden Kieran Shoemark 14/1
6 (4) 1¾ Caviar Heights 3 9-2 K R Burke Clifford Lee 4/1
7 (3) 7 Al Musmak 3 9-2 Roger Varian James Doyle 4/1
