CLASSIC prospect Workforce is just one of many fascinating horses who have been entered in the Group 2 totesport.com Dante Stakes, which will be run at York on Thursday, May 13.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt gave one of the most eye-catching two-year-old performances of last season when he scored at Goodwood by six lengths.

Workforce, owned by Prince Khalid Abdulla, has not been seen in public since but is prominent in the betting for both the 2000 Guineas and the Investec Derby. His first engagement of the new season has yet to be confirmed and it could be that he will bid to give Stoute a fourth totesport.com Dante winner since 2001.

Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager to Prince Khalid Abdulla and on the York Race Committee, said: “Plans are still open as regards Workforce’s early-season targets but he looks to be an exciting prospect.”

Stoute has put a total of seven representatives in the £150,000 race, while Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O’Brien has no less than 19.

O’Brien, who won the extended mile and a quarter event last year with Black Bear Island, has entered his 2000 Guineas and Investec Derby favourite St Nicholas Abbey as well Group 1 Criterium International-winning Jan Vermeer and the unbeaten Futurity Stakes winner Cape Blanco.

Godolphin’s leading Derby hope appears to be Passion For Gold, who is among 11 totesport.com Dante entries made by trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

There is a total entry of 72 and William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York, said: “To have the top 12 in the Investec Derby betting in the totesport.com Dante underlines its position as a leading form guide to Epsom. “The whole team at York are excited about the prospect of seeing some of the best horses in training back racing on the Knavesmire.”