2011 Dante Stakes Preview Part Two

I wouldn't be surprised to see any of the three main choices win it but I rate them World Domination, Carlton House and Seville in that order. I know World Domination would be bucking the trend as virtually all recent winners raced at two but I think he's got what it takes to make a really big statement this year and you simply can't ignore Carlton House's big maiden score last year. 

 

There are a few other contenders in the mix for this one with Roderick O'Connor (Galileo) seeing his price rocket as he will likely be pointed elsewhere. You can still find him at 50.0 on the exchanges if you think he winds up in the Dante this weekend. 

 

Yaseer (Dansili) is going to be looking to build off a credible third to Native Khan (Azamour) at Newmarket in the Group 3 Craven Stakes. Native Khan went on to finish third to Frankel in the Guineas and that adds some credibility to Yaseer- who really hasn't done much wrong in his career. He's well-priced around 14/1 and will suit those who think some of the leading contenders are beatable. He is also a credible addition to the bottom-end of a forecast ticket. 

 

Genius Beast (Kingmambo) is a well-bred bay colt who actually finished third to Frankel in his maiden at Newmarket last August. It took him three tries and a switch to Haydock to get the maiden score buthe looked the picture of quality on debut at three, capturing the Group 3 bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown. Godolphin's entry has been clipped down to 7/1 with some major bookmakers and he looms large as many seem confident in his ability to improve. A win at 1m2f on debut at three certainly adds credibility. 

 

Happy Today (Gone West) didn't do much wrong to finish sixth in the Guineas after coming out of the gate at 100/1 and connection will be looking to see whether he's the real deal in the Dante. It's not like he offered up a big challenge on the day but he did come on well towards the finish and he looks to be able to handle the added distance he'll face here. 

 

Pisco Sour (Lemon Drop Kid) is an interesting prospect and presents plenty of value at 33s but he'll need to step it up big-time to find the line first here. He'll be using this as a seasonal debut and was heavily-campaigned at two with five previous runs under his belt. He finished second in the Tattersalls Millions 2YO Trophy to Fury (Invincible Spirit), who went on to finish fifth in the Guineas. He looks to have place claims and may have his eye on additional distance as his father won the Belmont Stakes. Lemon Drop Kid's are usually seen on synthetic surfaces a bit more but there is some credible turf in his pedigree as well. 

 

A real wildcard in this one looks to be Alexander Pope (Danehill Dancer), who finished sixth in the UAE Derby and then shipped nicely to Ireland for a third place in alisted contest. This is a big step up from that race but connections obviously have plans for this one. There's a reason he ran in the UAE Derby and runners from that have gone on to do decently in their follow-up contests. He is probably a better shout for a place but he may attract some each-way support.