The picture for the Dante Festival (May 17-19) came into sharper focus as the next stage of entry for the four contests at Group 2 level were revealed.

Prominent names still abound in the 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes, with defending champion Highfield Princess still set to take on the Aussie raider, The Astrologist. Other proven Group One winners such as Emaraaty Anna or Oxted mean the six-furlong feature of day one could be a cracker.

Dual Group One heroine, Nashwa, from the impressive Gosden yard looks likely to catch the media attention in the Al Basti Equiworld Middleton Stakes on Thursday. However, there are three others who have triumphed at the highest level in Aristia, Prosperous Voyage and Toskana Belle. The latter, though trained in Newmarket by Roger Varian has a Japanese Owner and the German Oaks as part of her story.

The Gosden name often comes to the fore in the Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dante Stakes; this year Epictetus is set to represent Clarehaven with the colt already marking himself out as one to follow after a recent victory at Epsom. To date twelve horses have achieved a Knavesmire/Epsom Downs double, with many leading fancies in the Betfred Derby remaining in the York contest. Current favourite, Auguste Rodin could yet be joined at York by three others from the top five in the sponsor's market for the Blue Riband in June. The track was that proud to host Royal Ascot at York back in 2005, could yet see a Royal winner of this famous contest as His Majesty's colours are carried by Slipofthepen.

The longest of the Group 2 races, is the Boodles Yorkshire Cup. The Friday stayers highlight has been dominated by the mighty Stradivarius in recent years however his retirement leaves the path to glory open for a new champion. Multiple Group One winner, Trueshan will have his supporters whilst Quickthorn was a memorable winner of the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup in 2022. Part of the QIPCO British Champions Series, a horse like Broome from Aidan O'Brien's yard would be a victor who had top class form there, for all to see.

For a full list of entries as at Wednesday 26 April, see here.