Magisterial for York G2 win

Magisterial can give John and Thady Gosden something to smile about by winning the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York today.

The Clarehaven Stables team has suffered a couple of disappointments in recent weeks, with winter favourite Inspiral being forced to miss the 1000 Guineas and Reach For The Moon ruled out of the Derby.

The horses are running well, though, and a patient approach can pay dividends for the Gosdens as they saddle Magisterial in what is undoubtedly the strongest UK trial for the blue riband event.

Fourth on his debut at Newmarket in September, owner Bjorn Nielsen stepped up to the plate by giving his friend Oisin Murphy a valuable success in his quest to be champion when winning a Haydock maiden in October.

It always takes an above-average sort to defy a penalty in novice company, but Magisterial did it with a bit to spare on his return at Leicester last month, coming home 1.50 lengths clear of the heavily backed Charlie Applebytrained debutant Ruling Dynasty, who is entered at Royal Ascot.

Frankie Dettori made all at the Midlands venue, which is always dangerous for his opponents, but Magisterial never looked in any danger and the Frankel colt is well worth a shot at this level to see if he can book his place at Epsom.

The step back up to 2000m will see Lilac Road in a better light in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies' Stakes.

The William Haggas-trained filly was very consistent last season, apart from a blip on the all-weather at Newcastle. She rounded off her season with a win in a Listed race at Salisbury over 2000m, so it was not the greatest surprise when she was a bit tapped for speed first time out in the Dahlia Stakes over 1800m.

Given every chance at Newmarket behind Dreamloper, she just faded close home as if in need of the run and with that behind her, she is expected to go close.

Mountain Peak thrives when the ground is quick so has conditions in his favour in the Paddy Power 'Making Flat Less Flat' Handicap.

He may be seven now but showed he has lost none of his dash when a 25-1 second at Newbury on his seasonal bow.

Given he has not won first time out before, that was a really promising reappearance, and he can be expected to come forward from it.

There are some real York specialists up against him, none more so than Copper Knight, but a mark of 104 is surely too steep for Tim Easterby's charge.

Easterby might have better luck, however, in the Paddy Power Hambleton Stakes with Cruyff Turn.

He has caught the eye twice this season, first time out at Haydock and then when only beaten two lengths in the Thirsk Hunt Cup. A winner off a mark of 95 at the Ebor meeting, he is only 1kg higher on this occasion.

King Of Bavaria should prove hard to beat in the British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes.

Aidan O'Brien had three entered at the five-day stage and all three ran in a Listed race at Navan on their returns. New York City won, with Cadamosto third and King Of Bavaria fourth but as his stable companions were not declared, O'Brien clearly feels King Of Bavaria can return to winning ways, having been unbeaten at two. –