Eight runners have been declared for tomorrow's Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York at 16:05. Christmas Day (Aidan O'Brien) is confirmed as the market leader, with Morshdi representing William Haggas, who won this race two years ago with Economics. Here is the complete preview of every confirmed runner.
Christmas Day — O'Brien's Hope at 3/1
Christmas Day won the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown last month, defeating Group 1 winner Pierre Bonnard. He is O'Brien's confirmed primary Dante runner at 3/1. O'Brien last won the Dante in 2010 with Cape Blanco — a fifteen-year drought in a race he has held consistent entries for across most runnings. Christmas Day represents his most credible candidate in recent years.
StableBet's trends analysis was specific: "Christmas Day is the trends-cleanest pick of the named runners — won by half a length in the Ballysax, Leopardstown last-time-out is a small mark against the Newmarket preference, and the 32-day gap is at the outer edge of the historical window but close enough." Each-way at 3/1 is the format-aligned play per StableBet; win-only is short value at shorter odds.
Morshdi — Haggas's Dante Hope
Sky Bet's early market placed Morshdi at 5/2 — shorter than Christmas Day in some early shows. William Haggas won the Dante two years ago with Economics. His yard's record in the race is strong. Morshdi's specific preparation and most recent form will become clearer when final declarations confirm tomorrow morning.
Raaheeb — The Sandown Classic Trial Winner
Raaheeb (Owen Burrows, Rossa Ryan) won the Sandown bet365 Classic Trial on April 24 — a 3/1 ante-post market leader before Christmas Day's confirmation moved the market. The Sandown Classic Trial is a recognised Derby prep run at a track that shares some characteristics with York's flat, galloping configuration. Burrows has produced well-prepared Derby types before.
The Supporting Cast
Al Zanati and Maho Bay represent Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. Maho Bay beat Amadeus Mozart — O'Brien's fourth confirmed runner — last time out. Saxon Street won the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom. Item (Andrew Balding) is a dual winner stepping up in class. Wise Prince completes the eight-runner field.
Tomorrow's Trotbot Dante Stakes selection publishes at 11am. Get it free at horseracingoracleai.com
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Facts verified via web search May 13 2026.