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That's the balance of the first day of the Dante meeting.

Of course it is midweek and up North but one would have hoped that a few more of both categories would be present.   There was an interesting article recently comparing the prices for a day out at the races in England and Ireland and to put it mildly England lost!

Wednesday saw the running of the Musidora with 6 3yo fillies and the winner Emily Upjohn beat the other 5 home without too much trouble and now is favourite for the Oaks!  She seems a nice filly but surely it's a bit early to put her up the top of the market when she didn't have to beat much.

The G2 Duke of York for the Sprinters saw Highland Princess win for John Quinn and Jason Hart from Spycatcher and Minzaal.

Thursday's feature is the Dante which has got a 9 runner field headed by Sir Michael Stoute's Desert Crown despite the trainer warning that the horse is "only just ready".

He's second fav for the Derby and is on 3/1 here, together with El Bodegon.  The Gosdens-Dettori Magesterial is on 7/2 and Aidan O'Brien is sending over Bluegrass on 11/2.