Vodafone Derby favourite Twice Over will face five rivals as he bids to cement his position at the head of the betting for the Epsom Classic in Thursday’s totesport.com Dante Stakes at York.

Trained by Henry Cecil, the Observatory colt won the Craven Stakes at Newmarket on his seasonal reappearance to maintain his unbeaten record.

John Gosden’s Centennial won the Classic Trial at Sandown on his last start and is expected to provide a stern test for Twice Over, who skipped the 2000 Guineas in favour of a Derby preparation.

Sir Michael Stoute, who won the race with the Ballymacoll Stud-owned North Light before he went on to Epsom glory in 2004, runs Tartan Bearer, representing the same connections.

McCartney has his first start for Godolphin after his switch from Mark Johnston’s yard, having won the Champagne Stakes impressively for the Middleham handler last season.

However, Frankie Dettori rides Young Pretender, who was transferred from Gosden’s yard.

Aidan O’Brien relies solely on Frozen Fire, who was having only his second start when finishing eighth in the Racing Post Trophy last autumn.
(Source: At The Races)