Lion In Winter warms to York

THE Lion In Winter can fortify his Classic claims in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York.

- By MOLLY HUNTER

This race is a key trial for the Derby and is expected to provide a clear hint this term, as the ante-post favourite for the Epsom contest is due to line up on the Knavesmire at Group Two level.

A Sea The Stars colt trained by Aidan O'Brien, The Lion In Winter makes his seasonal debut in Yorkshire having run twice last term as a juvenile.

The first of those runs was a neat Curragh maiden success, after which he was a convincing winner of York's Acomb Stakes over seven furlongs at the height of summer.

Behind him on his Curragh debut was Paddy Twomey’s Currawood and stablemate Ides Of March, both of whom have won twice since, alongside respectable runs at pattern level.

At York, he defeated Wimbledon Hawkeye, who was subsequently the winner of the Royal Lodge before being placed in both the Futurity Trophy and the Craven Stakes.