Five Standout Performers From The Dante Meeting

Invincible Army took his form to the next level when taking the six furlong Group Two Duke Of York Stakes in sensational fashion for trainer James Tate.

The four-year-old looks better than better after bettering his Listed victory at Doncaster on his first start of the season, and is now a fully matured colt that could be going some places.

He has since corrected his poor showings towards the back end of the last season when down the field in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and then in a Group Three at Newbury.

Looks ready for a return at the top level now.

CREDIT - ITV Racing

Soldier's Minute began a great week for Keith Dalgleish, Joe Fanning and the Weldspec Glasgow Limited syndicate, when flying home to score in the Infinity Tyres Handicap again over six furlongs.

The four-year-old made amends for his last two poor performances, beating just one home in a big sprint up at Musselburgh, and when a beaten favourite at Kempton the time before on the all-weather, when dispatched by the grey George Bowen.

He showed glimpses of his talent when a close third in a course and distance handicap on the Knavesmire back in September, and there were no question marks over his speed on Wednesday afternoon when he sauntered clear, winning by a three length margin.

CREDIT - ITV Racing

A motionless Jamie Spencer guided Starcaster home in the Day One Dante concluding contest - the Lindum Construction Group Handicap over a mile-and-a-half.

Held up towards the rear, he began to make smooth headway towards the inner rail three furlongs from the finish. The four-year-old was absolutely cantering all of them before Spencer just woke him up to assert in the final 200 yards.

He shaped well when second to a progressive sort on his return at Thirsk for a new yard, so could and should be plenty more to come this season after his four-length victory.

Very taking performance.

Telecaster upset the previously unbeaten champion two-year-old Too Darn Hot when taking the Dante Stakes itself over ten furlongs, submitting his claims for the Epsom Derby in three weeks time.

The three-year-old - who would need to be supplemented for the next Classic this season for the colts, finished second to subsequent Sandown Classic Trial winner Bangkok on debut, before he ran away with a 1m2f novice at Windsor back in April.

Took his form to the next level in what looked a quality field, and an outstanding ride from Oisin Murphy saw him shrug off all his rivals from the front.

Question remains for the owners whether they are prepared to stump up £80,000 to add him back to the Derby, after deciding not to pay £1,500 at an earlier forfeit stage. Should they put him back, he's got a cracking chance.

CREDIT - York Racecourse and Racing TV

Later in the day, Repartee made a winning debut for Kevin Ryan and Andrea Atzeni, in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid.

310,000gns as a yearling, this juvenile (son of Invincible Spirit) faired best of all the newcomers and the whole field when streaking clear by five lengths to take the honours.

He made most from the front end, and responded well to his jockeys urgings a furlong from the finish to make sure of the job.

Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot could be on the agenda.

CREDIT - Racing TV