High Definition on the drift as Dante favourite as Gear Up comes in for support

The Dante Stakes (3.10) may not be all about whether High Definition can enhance his Cazoo Derby claims as he has drifted at the top of the market, with the Mark Johnston-trained Gear Up being supported on Thursday morning.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained High Definition had been strong in the betting since he was confirmed for the Group 2 contest after missing the Lingfield Derby Trial due to an unsatisfactory blood test, but is now available at 7-4 (from 6-4) with Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook.

Gear Up was last seen beating current Derby favourite Bolshoi Ballet in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud in October and is now an 11-2 chance with the same firms having been available at 6-1.

Victory would give Mark Johnston a third victory in the Dante from the last five runnings and could see his general 20-1 odds for the Epsom classic on June 5 tumble.

ITV Racing tips: one key runner from each of the six races on ITV4 on Thursday

Uncle Bryn, the choice of Frankie Dettori of the John and Thady Gosden-trained runners, has also been quietly supported and is now a general 10-1 (from 12).

In the other Group 2 on the card, the Middleton Stakes (2.10), the Aidan O'Brien-trained Passion has been withdrawn having not eaten up, leaving Queen Power as the general 6-4 favourite as she seeks a first victory in nearly two years.

Paddy Power's York market movers

1.40: Illusionist 11-2 from 6
3.10: Gear Up 11-2 from 6, High Definition 7-4 from 6-4
3.40: First Company 10-1 from 12

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “All eyes will be on one-time Derby favourite High Definition in today’s Dante, especially after stable companion Bolshoi Ballet cemented his own position at the top of the classic market with an impressive win in last Sunday’s Derrinstown, but the former is currently on the drift for today’s trial while we’ve seen support for local representative and top-class scorer in France last season Gear Up.”

The Charlie Fellowes-trained King Ottokar is a notable absentee in the Hambleton Handicap (2.40) due to the going.

Conditions on the Knavesmire have quickened slightly from the first day of the Dante meetingCredit: Edward Whitaker

Officials at York have also changed the going to good (from good, good to soft in places) despite a shower following racing yesterday.

The opening day of the meeting started on ground officially described as good to soft and while a shower added 2.8mm rainfall onto the track after 6pm, conditions have been dry since.

Raceday clerk of the course Anthea Leigh walked the track before racing and said: "It has dried out a bit and it does feel slightly better ground – it has been a warm morning with a bit of a breeze."

The feature race of the day, the Dante Stakes, will be run over a distance 32 yards shorter than yesterday's Musidora Stakes – which are both run over an official distance of 1m2½f – due to rail movements.

York non-runners

1.40: 8. Queen's Order
2.10: 4. Passion
2.40: 7. King Ottokar
3.10: 1. Alenquer
3.40: 9. Never Say Never

Some localised showers are forecast around the Knavesmire in the afternoon and officials have not ruled out easing the ground should they materialise.

York's chief executive and fellow clerk of the course, William Derby, added: "If we sat on a heavy shower we'd ease. They are isolated and localised, but some of the shower risks are quite heavy throughout the early part of the afternoon.

"But we're in a good position, we're pleased with how the track performed yesterday and looking forward to a great day."

Read more Thursday race previews:

3.10 York: time to find out if High Definition can bring clarity to Derby picture

2.40 York: will the 'unluckiest horse in Newmarket' enjoy a change of fortune?

3.40 York: Acklam Express adds Group 1 stardust to cracking Listed sprint

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