Richard Kingscote warms up for 'big deal' ride on Desert Crown with royal winner

Tuesday: Chepstow

The pressure will be on Richard Kingscote when he partners Desert Crown – the shortest-priced British-trained fancy in the Derby betting – in his trial at York on Thursday, but the jockey ensured things were kept simple here as he guided the Queen's Kiteflyer to victory at short odds.

He described the ride on the week's hot favourite in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (3.35) as a "big deal" and got first-hand experience of Desert Crown's talent when he bolted clear in impressive style on his debut last autumn. Tuesday's mount won in similar fashion.

Also housed in the powerful Sir Michael Stoute stable, Kiteflyer was always moving better than stablemate Lebsayer and was pushed out for a four-length victory.

"He ran a promising race at Newmarket and the guys at home have found a lovely opportunity for these two," the jockey said of the 1-4 winner.

"He was having a nice time out in front. He had a little look and there's plenty to learn still. He's a sweet horse who does everything nice. It's still early days."

Desert Crown is a general 6-1 chance for next month's Cazoo Derby despite having made only one appearance and Kingscote is relishing Thursday's trial.

Dante Stakes racecard and betting

"He was impressive first time and I know the boss is delighted with him," he said.

"It's exciting to pick up rides like that for Sir Michael. It's a big deal. He couldn't have done much more first time out. He was straightforward and galloped away quite well. I think Thursday will tell us a lot more."

O'Shea's hot spell

A fifth winner from 14 runners ensured John O'Shea's excellent spell rolls on for another week. Macs Dilemma scored in the 6f handicap and provided the first leg of a double for Hollie Doyle, who also landed the 5f maiden with Brave Emperor.

The success was O'Shea's 11th on the Flat this season, meaning he is well over halfway to beating his career best of 18, while he has also had a winner in the new jumps season.

"If we've clicked then it's taken 35 years for it to happen," the trainer said.

"The horses just seem extremely well. We're always looking at how we can make things better and they're bouncing back. We started the season with well-handicapped horses, which helps."

Wait over

Chris Down enjoyed a first Flat winner in more than eight years when Alkhattaaf took the 1m4f handicap. The four-year-old is, however, destined for a future over hurdles.

Down said: "He was bought to be a hurdler. He's a lovely stamp of a horse and that's what he'll do eventually. This experience will bring him on again."

Close call

Only three-quarters of a length separated the first five in the 5f handicap as 16-1 shot Our Man In Havana prevailed under Mollie Phillips. The stewards subsequently gave the apprentice a two-day whip suspension.

Results, replays and analysis

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Confirmed runners and riders for the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday

'I don't know how much more there is to come' – William Haggas on Baaeed

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