The Dante is traditionally the most important Derby trial stages in Britain and this year’s running looks no exception. Among the fifteen entries are current Derby ante-post favourite Jack Hobbs. Trained by John Gosden, the Halling colt won his maiden at Wolverhampton last season and burst on to the Classic scene when successful by 12 lengths in a handicap at Sandown on his reappearance. His stablemate Golden Horn and Andrew Balding’s 2014 Racing Post Trophy winner Elm Park are also entered as is Aidan O’Brien’s John F Kennedy. That horse is on a mission to rebuild a lofty reputation after his defeat in the Ballysax Stakes.
Dante Stakes Winners 2005-2014
| YEAR | HORSE | LTO | FORM | TRAINER | JOCKEY | OR | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | The Grey Gatsby (Ire) (C) | 12 | 1227-20 | K A Ryan | R L Moore | 108 | 9/1 |
| 2013 | Libertarian (D) | 20 | 14 | Mrs K Burke | William Buick | 94 | 33/1 |
| 2012 | Bonfire | 200 | 13- | A M Balding | J Fortune | 108 | 3/1 (2f) |
| 2011 | Carlton House (USA) | 190 | 21 | Sir Michael Stoute | R L Moore | 102 | 11/4 (3f) |
| 2010 | Cape Blanco (Ire) | 264 | 111- | A P O’Brien | J P Murtagh | 110 | 9/2 |
| 2009 | Black Bear Island (Ire) | 32 | 21-3 | A P O’Brien | C O’Donoghue | – | 12/1 |
| 2008 | Tartan Bearer (Ire) (D) | 19 | 2-1 | Sir Michael Stoute | R L Moore | 85 | 10/1 |
| 2007 | Authorized (Ire) | 207 | 31- | P W Chapple-Hyam | L Dettori | 116 | 10/11 (f) |
| 2006 | Septimus (Ire) | 25 | 13-7 | A P O’Brien | K Fallon | – | 13/8 (f) |
| 2005 | Motivator | 199 | 11- | MLW Bell | J Murtagh | 117 | Evens (f) |
