Taking place on the second day of the Dante Festival at York Racecourse, the Dante Stakes is seen as a trial for the Epsom Derby as it is seen to be an excellent guide to the how the famous race is going to turn out.
The Dante Stakes is an important race in its own right of course – it has been in existence since 1958 – it just provides people with an indication on the Derby. In total, nine horses have won the Dante Stakes and then gone on to win at Epsom.
Looking at the basic information for the Dante Stakes, it is a Group 2 flat horse race and is close to the hearts of many in British horse racing. It takes place over a distance of one mile and two furlongs, competed by thoroughbreds aged three and over.
As with any race of genuine quality, there are some stand out names when looking at the Dante Stakes. Pat Eddery for example is an Irish jockey that has won this race six times, while trainer Henry Cecil has amassed a total of seven winners since his first in 1970.
In recent years though, it is Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien that are the trainers to watch out for. They have secured three wins each in the last 10 years, including Carlton House leading the way for Stoute last year.
With regards to betting on the Dante Stakes, it has to be noted that the winner is usually Irish, while they usually come into the race on the back of a victory.
The favourite for the 2012 Dante Stakes is Mandehan. The 119/50 shot is leading the betting at the moment, while Ace of Valhalla and Imperial Monarch are also getting plenty of backing.
You can find out how this one pans out on 17th May 2012.
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