Kentucky Derby hope Johannesburg heads an Aidan O'Brien team of 25 revealed today for the Convergent Communications Dante Stakes. The £145,000 10-furlong contest at York on May 15 is a traditional trial for the Vodafone Derby and has attracted 95 entries.
As well as Johannesburg, who may reappear at either Lingfield or the Curragh at the weekend, O'Brien's team also includes Sagitta 2000 Guineas favourite Hawk Wing, and Dewhurst Stakes winner Rock Of Gibraltar.
Another trainer to hold a strong hand is Saeed bin Suroor. He is responsible for 12 Godolphin-owned possibles, including one-time Guineas favourite Dubai Destination, impressive conqueror of Rock Of Gibraltar in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster in September. Another entrant for the Dubai outfit is Naheef, runaway winner of a trial race at Nad Al Sheba on Tuesday, and who suffered his only defeat of last term at the hands of Hawk Wing.
Sir Michael Stoute's 10 representatives include the well-touted Right Approach, owned by Her Majesty The Queen, while Henry Cecil's five at this stage includes Stardom Stakes runner-up, Sparkling Water.
Filed by Laura Reynolds
