Crowded House skips Guineas

Crowded House will swerve the stanjames.com 2000 Guineas in preference to a tilt at the totesport.com Dante Stakes at York on May 14.

The three-year-old heads the market for the Epsom Derby and will firstly head for the mile-and-a-quarter contest on the Knavesmire, instead of Newmarket’s one-mile Classic on May 2.

“We have thought long and hard about it, but we have come down on the side of the Dante,” revealed trainer Brian Meehan.

“In the end, I just think that targeting the York race will give him a better preparation for the Derby.

“I think the 10 furlongs on the Knavesmire will suit him, and we are delighted with his progress so far.

“Everything has gone according to plan, he will work again at the weekend,” the trainer told www.brianmeehanatmanton.com.

The Rainbow Quest colt won two of his four starts as a juvenile, culminating in a hugely impressive victory in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.