The Group 2 Dante Stakes was won by Item in fine style for owners Juddmonte. He is now the second favourite for the Derby after See The Fire won her second straight Middleton Stakes.
Heading into the weekend, here are the headlines in our racing news round-up.
York Dante meeting: Item and See The Fire impress
The Dante Stakes produced a new second favourite for the Derby after Item won impressively on the Knavesmire. Christmas Day was favourite for Aidan O’Brien, but could only finish third, behind stablemate Action, with both chasing Item’s shadow. The son of Frankel remained unbeaten for Andrew Balding and Juddmonte. He has now won all three starts and is as short as 7/2 in places for Epsom. His best odds on offer are 6/1. (BBC)
Earlier on the card, See The Fire won her second straight renewal of the Middleton Fillies’ Stakes. Her and Item ensured Balding won both Group race prizes on the card in impressive fashion. The five-year-old won without Oisin Murphy having to get too serious, earning a pat down the neck passing the line. Anna Lisa Balding, representing her husband, suggested she may take up her entry in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. (Racing TV)
There was time at the start of the card for a Jamie Spencer-ridden double. Spencer got his day off to a perfect start with victory on Persian Spring for Richard Hannon. Just 40 minutes later, he had doubled up, with Jakajaro storming clear in the Lindum Handicap. The latter won despite seeming to be drawn in an unfavourable stall in 18. They were Spencer’s first winners counting towards the flat jockeys’ championship. Cieren Fallon is the early leader in that race with 13. (Racing TV)
Portcullis among Friday runners
Easy Wood Ditton Maiden winner Portcullis will run at York on Friday. John & Thady Gosden’s three-year-old won by five-and-a-half lengths at Newmarket on debut despite greenness. Perhaps the most significant thing about him though is that he is owned by HM The King. William Buick takes over in the saddle from Ryan Moore as he takes part in the concluding race at York’s Dante meeting on Friday. Unsurprisingly, he is a strong favourite to maintain his unbeaten record. (Racing TV)
Ten declared for Lockinge Stakes
Ten horses have been declared for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday. Ante-post favourite Damysus is among them, while The Lion In Winter represents Aidan O’Brien. The big story is that Sahlan makes the trip across from France, however. Francis-Henri Graffard is chasing more top level success in this country after sweeping successes over the last two seasons. One horse not declared was Sandown Mile scorer Opera Ballo. Notable Speech is therefore the only horse running for Godolphin. (RTE)