O'Brien duo among Dante twelve The Aidan O'Brien trained duo of Wrote and Ernest Hemingway are among 12 confirmed for the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday. The once-raced latter was a facile winner at Dundalk last month while Wrote has been declared for the Derrinstown Stud Trial at Leopardstown on Sunday. Andrew Balding's highly-promising colt Bonfire looks like being rerouted to the Knavesmire if conditions are suitable. He was a late withdrawal from today's Dee Stakes at Chester due to the rain-softened ground there. York's Group Two contest over an extended mile and a quarter is likely to be a significant trial for the Investec Derby at Epsom - even though it is just 16 days before the premier Classic on June 2nd. Roger Varian has indicated Ektihaam, a convincing winner at Newbury last month, will run on the Knavesmire. Sir Henry Cecil has left in Frankel's full brother Noble Mission, who has won both of his starts so far this term. The Warren Place trainer has a back-up in Wrotham Heath. Godolphin's sole representative is the Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained Mandaean, who won the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud when with Andre Fabre last year. John Gosden is considering this race for 2000 Guineas sixth Fencing, while the list of entries is completed by Crius, Dream Tune, Miblish and Ptolemaic. Paddy Power bet: 5-2 Bonfire, 7-2 Mandaean, 9-2 Ernest Hemingway, 6 Ektihaam, 7 Noble Mission, 8 Fencing, 14 Crius, 20 Wrotham Heath, 33 Dream Tune, 50 Ptolemaic, 100 Miblish.
