Camelot stands out in Dante entries
Camelot, favourite for the Qipco 2000 Guineas and Investec Derby, is among Aidan O’Brien’s 24 entries for the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on May 17.
The Ballydoyle trainer is responsible for almost a third of the 76 possibles for the extended mile and a quarter Group Two race that also includes UAE Derby winner and third, Daddy Long Legs and Wrote.
Marco Botti has put in Kingsdesire, who took his 100% record to two with a smooth success at Doncaster on Sunday.
“Kingsdesire is going the right way, improving – and he has done well physically. We are hoping that he will turn into a nice horse,” said the Newmarket trainer.
“He won a weak maiden last year and we thought he would make a better three-year-old.
“I was expecting a good run from him last Sunday and he won nicely on ground that was a little bit too quick for him.
“We have spoken to the owner since and said ’would you mind if we give him an entry into the Dante’ and he said, ’Let’s do it’. The horse is also in the French Derby and we will see how he progresses.
“We left plenty on him – Sunday wasn’t the main target anyway. But we wanted to start him back in a handicap.
“A mile and a quarter is probably his best trip and I’m not quite sure if he will get further. A mile and a half might stretch him.
“We will see how much he improves from that run, but the Dante is definitely under consideration.”
Others featuring in a quality entry are Frankel’s full-brother Noble Mission, Ektihaam and Bonfire.
