TRAINER Charlie Hills looks to have a strong hand for the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes as the countdown begins to the opening day of York Racecourse's 2016 season.

The £120,000 Group Two contest on Wednesday, May 11 is among the highlights of the three-day Dante Festival, and has attracted an exciting initial entry of 48 – including three from Hills’ powerful stable at Lambourn.

Hills enjoyed a stellar year in the sprint division last year – thanks in the main to four-time Group One and York winner, Muhaarar. The Oasis Dream colt has since been retired to stud, but Hills still looks to have a clutch of speedsters to contend in the key races once again.

Strath Burn and Magical Memory – second and third in the Group One Haydock Sprint Cup – and Listed winner Cotai Glory all look capable of making their mark among the fastest sprinters of 2016.

Hills said: “We are looking to go straight to the Duke of York with Strath Burn. He is well. Magical Memory is coming along and I think we shall look to run him somewhere before York.

“I have also entered Cotai Glory in the Duke of York. We are also looking at running him somewhere before and we shall know more then.

“We are some way off but I am happy with how they have all wintered.”

* For tickets call 01904 620911 x225 – or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk