Bonfire spearheads Dante entry

Bonfire heads 12 confirmed for the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.

Andrew Balding’s highly-promising colt looks like being rerouted to the Knavesmire if conditions are suitable.

He was a late withdrawal from Friday’s Dee Stakes due to the rain-softened ground at Chester.

York’s Group Two contest over an extended mile and a quarter is likely to be a significant trial for the Investec Derby at Epsom – even though it is just 16 days before the premier Classic on June 2.

Roger Varian has indicated Ektihaam, a convincing winner at Newbury last month, will run on the Knavesmire.

Aidan O’Brien has left in just two of his entries – the once-raced facile Dundalk winner Ernest Hemingway and Wrote.

The latter, however, has been declared for the Derrinstown Stud Trial at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Henry Cecil has left in Frankel’s full brother Noble Mission, who has won both of his starts so far this term. The Warren Place trainer has a back-up in Wrotham Heath.

Godolphin’s sole representative is the Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained Mandaean, who won the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud when with Andre Fabre last year.

John Gosden is considering this race for 2000 Guineas sixth Fencing, while the list of entries is completed by Crius, Dream Tune, Miblish and Ptolemaic.