Until a decision is made on the participation of Cape Verdi, the Vodafone Derby will continue to remain a puzzle.

York's important trial, the Grosvenor Casinos Dante Stakes, threw up several clues yesterday but left bookmakers as well as punters still scratching their heads over a definitive answer to the classic conundrum.

Saratoga Springs' narrow victory in a muddling race further strengthened the hand of Ireland's Aidan O'Brien but muddied the Epsom picture.

Excluding Godolphin's Cape Verdi, who is quoted 'with a run' by all the leading bookmakers, Saratoga Springs is now at the head of the market in most lists.

However, Coral have surprisingly chosen to make the runner-up City Honours, a stablemate of 1,000 Guineas winner Cape Verdi, their favourite.

O'Brien, also responsible for 2,000 Guineas winner King Of Kings, did not exactly offer ante-post punters a helping hand.

"All options are open for both horses and no decision will be made until we've been able to sit down and talk over things in the next two weeks," he said.

The Godolphin team are only slightly more enlightening. Racing manager Simon Crisford confirmed City Honours a Derby runner but said: "We've still not made a decision about Cape Verdi."

Ian Balding, the trainer of the third Border Arrow, said: "Our horse was unlucky. He didn't get a clear run. I should think he will still run in the Derby."

Whether the close fourth Dr Fong will take his place in the Epsom field is also open to doubt.

"He wasn't good enough, but faster ground and one and half miles will suit him better," said trainer Henry Cecil.

The only major Derby trial remaining is the Predominate Stakes at Goodwood next week.

Yesterday's York results

2.05 (Grosvenor Casino Leeds Sprint Handicap, 5f): 1 Stuffed (T Lucas) 6-1; 2 Brave Edge 11-1, 3 Lamarita 20-1. 16 ran. Distances neck, head. Winning trainer Mick Easterby.

2.35 (Grosvenor Casinos Middleton Stakes, 1m 2f 85yds): 1 Arriving (M Hills 33-1, 2 Star Precision 5-1, 3 Tempting Prospect 6-1. 7 ran. Distances two and a half lengths, half a length. Winning trainer J Hills.

3.10 (Grosvenor Casinos Dante Stakes, 1m 2f 85yds): 1 Saratoga Springs (M Kinane) 4-1, 2 City Honours 5-1, Border Arrow 2-1 fav. 6 ran. Distances half a length, threequarters of a length. Winning trainer A P O'Brien.

3.40 (Grosvenor Hambleton Rated Handicap, 7f 202yds): 1 Ramooz (Pat Eddery) 11-4 fav; 2 Gulf Shaadi 13-2, 3 Showboat 7-1. 9 ran. Distances half a length, head. Winning trainer B Hanbury.

4.10 (Grosvenor Casino Newcastle Conditions Stakes, 6f): 1 Red Sea (T Quinn) 3-1, 2 Principality 15-2, 3 Sheer Viking 11-10 fav. 4 ran. Distances one length, threequarters of a length. Winning trainer P Cole.

4.40 (Grosvenor Casino Manchester Handicap, 1m 5f 194yds): 1 Opaque (S Sanders) 12-1, 2 Totem Dancer 3-1 fav, 3 Bellator 8-1. 12 ran. Distances threequarters of a length, short head. Winning trainer W Storey.

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