As the 2025 Flat season begins to take shape, the upcoming Dante Stakes at York on Thursday stands as one of the most anticipated events on the calendar. This race serves as the final recognized trial for the Derby at Epsom on 7 June and is poised to offer crucial insight into the contenders for the prestigious Classic. Aidan O’Brien, who has dominated recent Derby trials, will be hoping to achieve an unprecedented clean sweep of all five major Derby trials this year. His leading contender, The Lion in Winter, is currently the ante-post favorite for the Derby, having impressed since his victory in the Acomb Stakes at York last August.
Charlie Appleby, who recently claimed victories in both the 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, has supplemented the unbeaten Alpine Trail for the Dante Stakes, adding further intrigue to the contest. Meanwhile, Andrew Balding, an early leader in the trainer standings, brings forward the third-favorite, Royal Playwright. Additionally, Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing, now in its first season based at the famous Freemason Lodge yard in Newmarket, has entered Tuscan Hills, an unbeaten grandson of an Oaks winner, into the race.
O’Brien’s recent success in Derby trials, particularly his dominance at Chester, Lingfield, and Leopardstown, adds an extra layer of anticipation to the Dante. His record in these races is unmatched, with several notable winners emerging from his stable. However, not all of O’Brien’s past favorites have lived up to expectations in the Dante. High Definition, a well-regarded contender in 2021, entered the race as the favorite but finished third and ultimately struggled to meet expectations in the following seasons. The Lion in Winter, with a promising record and a strong Derby pedigree, will need to prove he is capable of maintaining his status as a Derby favorite. His reappearance in the Dante, after nearly a year off the track, is eagerly awaited and will be a significant test of his potential.
The Dante Stakes provides an opportunity for other Derby hopefuls to stake their claim for a place in the Classic. One of the more intriguing challengers is Tuscan Hills, trained by Raphael Freire and owned by Amo Racing. This horse, who has yet to taste defeat, has the potential to be a serious contender for the Derby if he performs well at York. Freire has enjoyed a solid start to his tenure at Freemason Lodge, and a strong showing from Tuscan Hills could signal that the Amo Racing operation, with its significant financial backing, is beginning to make a mark in the world of top-tier flat racing.
Amo Racing, led by the influential football super-agent Kia Joorabchian, has become known for its significant investments in the bloodstock market. Joorabchian has been on a spending spree, purchasing several high-profile yearlings and foals at recent sales, including the sale-topping £1.75m purchase of Celestial King at the Newmarket breeze-ups. With such investments, Joorabchian will expect a return on his expenditure, and a successful run from Tuscan Hills in the Dante Stakes would be an important step in that direction.
In what is shaping up to be a fascinating Derby season, the Dante Stakes will offer a clear indication of where the leading contenders stand. O’Brien’s The Lion in Winter will be under scrutiny, while the challenge from Appleby, Balding, and Joorabchian’s Amo Racing ensures the race for the Derby remains wide open. All eyes will be on York to see who can seize the opportunity and secure their place as one of the leading contenders for Epsom glory.
