Rekindling to fire up dreams of Derby

REKINDLING can edge closer towards realising Derby dreams by winning the Betfred Dante Stakes at York, writes The Ferret.

Joseph O’Brien never had a Dante winner during his spell in the saddle, so if Rekindling can see off the likes of Cracksman and Crystal Ocean, the relative newcomer to the training ranks will be getting his name on the roll of honour for the first time.

Rekindling must have a cracking chance of hitting the target judged on his return success in the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown last month.

He saw off Douglas Macarthur, Yucatan and Capri – all of whom are trained by Aidan O’Brien – by half a length, winning in fine style as he kept on with real purpose over that 10-furlong trip.

Given that trio of placed runners have since filled the frame in the Derrinstown Derby Trial, the form has a pleasing look and if you take away Rekindling’s sole disappointing effort in three outings for David Wachman last year, he could well be a couple of points shorter in the betting.

Rekindling looks sure to improve for the step up to 12 furlongs at Epsom and with plenty of rain around in recent days, his previous win on soft ground at Gowran should stand him in good stead.

QUEEN’S TRUST is not certain to be suited by cut in the ground, but she could still be good enough in the Middleton Stakes.

Sir Michael Stoute’s runner made huge strides last term, progressing from an opening mark of 93 to end the year on a perch of 118 with a Breeders’ Cup victory under her belt.

Her best performance by far was when winning the Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita last autumn under a brilliant Frankie Dettori ride and while conditions are likely to be vastly different here, Queen’s Trust can make her class tell. SELECTIONS:

PERTH: 2.00 Enzani, 2.30 Baby Bach ,3.05 Only fools own horses ,3.40 Dutch Canyon, 4.15 Raise A Spark, 4.45 Cooper’s Friend, 5.20 Jet Master.

YORK: 2.20 Love On The Rocks, 2.55 Queen’s Trust, 3.30 REKINDLING (NAP), 4.05 Thikriyaat, 4.35 Brian The Snail, 5.05 Masar, 5.35 Kajaki.

DOUBLE: Rekindling and Queen’s Trust.