IT might be the prospect of Classic hopefuls thundering down the straight in the Dante Stakes. It might be the chance to meet old friends in the £1.8 million revamped Melrose Stand.

Whatever brings you to York Racecourse next week, the return of a new season on Knavesmire is never anything less than mouth- watering for the racing fan.

It’s been a long winter and, after a seven month wait, the three-day May Festival – starting on May 12 – kicks off a 17-day card with enormous expectation.

There’s the chance to see the sport’s next superstars in the totesport Dante Stakes and the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes – the two contests which see the victors plant a flag for Derby and Oaks glory at Epsom in just over three weeks time.

The Middleton Stakes, which last year saw a superb clash between Crystal Capella and Dar Re Mi light up the track, might see an even better match-up with Michael Bell’s Sariska hopefully facing off against Midday.

And in the Emirates Yorkshire Cup – the most valuable stayers’ race in the country – the 2007 Ebor winner Purple Moon could return in what’s always a compelling race.

Record prize money of £875,000 is up for grabs and James Brennan, York Racecourse’s head of marketing, can’t wait for the action to get under way.

“There’s an excitement in spring time for those involved in thoroughbred racing and people are kind enough to say they get a real sense of that with the Dante Festival,” he said.

“We discuss it as being a bit like the countdown to Christmas. Lots of work goes into the preparation for it. What we want is for the days to go well and for people to come and enjoy them.

“It’s a fabulous time to be involved in racing – that sense of spring and the season stretching ahead and the Dante Festival is very much a part of that.

“There are the two-year-olds who are putting down their Classic credentials. Whether that is Chabal, who looks to be Godolphin’s leading hope for the totesport Dante Stakes, Coordinated Cut for Michael Bell, or Workforce for Sir Michael Stoute, who has used the Dante as a stepping stone to Epsom glory in the past.

“In the totesport Middleton Stakes, we are hoping Midday will stand her ground and meet Sariksa – to have that on the same day as the Dante, to have quality three-year-olds and then see the older fillies in a Group 2 contest – is mouth-watering.

“There’s something for everyone. There’s also the Yorkshire Cup for the staying horses who have been round that bit longer and are a little better known.

“There’s Kite Wood, who was fifth in the Dante last year, and, for the Yorkshire contingent, Mark Johnston’s Drill Sergeant – a Royal Ascot winner.”

One of those elder statesmen could also be 2007 Ebor winner Purple Moon.

Luca Cumani’s gelding had an encouraging comeback last month in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes at Newbury after a 13-month lay-off.

“The plan is to go for the Yorkshire Cup before hopefully on to the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot,” the Italian said.

“He’s a genuine Group 1 horse. It’s going to be interesting this year because with Yeats out of the way it opens up a lot of possibilities for a lot of horses in staying races and I hope Purple Moon is the best in the pack.”

Brennan continued: “There is a lot to look forward to and we can’t wait to be off and running.”

To book tickets, phone the racecourse on 01904 620911 or log on to www.yorkracecourse.co.uk