Racing by Tom O'Ryan

Border Arrow can hit the bullseye in tomorrow's £135,000 Grosvenor Casinos Dante Stake on Knavesmire.

By doing so he will enhance his chances of going on to Epsom on the first Saturday in June to land the Vodafone Derby - a double completed last year by Benny The Dip.

Trained at Kingsclere by Ian Balding, Border Arrow will relish this step up to an extended mile and a quarter after a spirited effort over a mile in the 2,000 Guineas, in which he finished best of all in third place behind King Of Kings and Lend A Hand.

Previously twice successful at Newmarket, including a long-priced victory as a juvenile last autumn, Border Arrow is a colt of high-quality and immense potential.

He faces a stiff task tomorrow in what has long been Europe's richest Derby trial, with the unbeaten Dr Fong among his formidable rivals.

Workmanlike winner of both his starts as a two-year-old, Dr Fong returned to action in a blaze of glory at Newmarket's Guineas meeting and won a Listed race in good style despite being unsuited by the muddling gallop.

Henry Cecil's colt has since worked in tremendous style at home, and he looks sure to give Kieren Fallon a fine ride as he steps up in class.

City Honours, who was wintered in Dubai, represents the Godolphin yard, and, like their 1,000 Guineas winner Cape Verdi, was purchased from Robert Sangster last autumn.

He commands plenty of respect along with Saratogo Springs, trained by the peerless Aidan O'Brien, and prolific winner Teapot Row.

A fascinating race is in prospect, but Border Arrow, in the hands of Ray Cochrane, is fancied to prove too sharp for his opponents.

The Grosvenor Casinos Leeds Sprint Handicap opens proceedings on Knavesmire tomorrow and a cracking race is in store.

There would be no more popular winner than Blessingindisguise, owned by York chartered surveyor Alan Black, and a horse who went from strength to strength last season.

But, without a run this term, he may have to play a supporting role - to his stable-mate Stuffed, likewise trained by Mick Easterby, who has already posted three creditable efforts this season.

Ray Cochrane, rider of Border Arrow, can increase his afternoon earnings by lifting the Grosvenor Casinos Middleton Stakes on the hat-trick seeking Yabint El Sultan.

Dovedon Star, narrowly beaten at Sandown last time, can gain compensation in the Grosvenor Casinos Manchester Handicap. Kieren Fallon again takes the mount on Anthony Kelleway's proven stayer.

The Nap vote is awarded to Ramooz, who is fancied to defy top weight in the Grosvenor Casinos Hambleton Rated Handicap.

A course and distance winner, Ramooz, failed by only three-quarters of a length to beat Beauchamp King on his reappearance at Haydock over seven furlongs. He will appreciate this extra distance, and also the services of Pat Eddery, the 11-times champion jockey.

Tim Easterby's Jo Mell, who finished three and half lengths behind Ramooz at Haydock and renews rivalry on 4lb better terms, represents a live danger.

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