DILSHAAN can prove himself a genuine Classic contender by winning the £145,000 Convergent Communications Dante Stakes - the richest Derby trial in Europe - on Knavesmire tomorrow.

The mount of Kieren Fallon, Dilshaan is trained by Sir Michael Stoute, who already has the Derby favourite in Golan, brilliant winner of the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

While Dilshaan does not possess the lightning reactions of Golan to compete at the top level over a mile, he does, however, have the scope and potential to develop into a top-notch performer over the Derby distance of a mile and a half.

It was some indication of the high regard Stoute has for this horse that, after seeing him finish second in a Sandown maiden on his debut last September, he then ran him in a Group 1 race at Doncaster the next month.

Dilshaan readily coped with that step up in class by winning the Racing Post Trophy by two and a half lengths from Tamburlaine.

An exciting prospect, Dilshaan can pick up where he left off and clinch this Group 2 showpiece at the main expense of Olden Times, whose trainer John Dunlop took last year's honours with Sakhee.

The Convergent systems Avaya Communications Handicap provides punters with a tricky start to the day. This wide-open five-furlongs dash will take plenty of winning and Dancing Mystery makes as much appeal as any.

Eric Wheeler's admirable sprinter enjoyed a bumper campaign last season and underlined his well-being with a cracking effort at Doncaster's Lincoln meeting in March when he finished a close-up fifth in another red-hot handicap.

With Stephen Carson, who gets on so well with him, in the saddle, Dancing Mystery is ambitiously napped to come out on top in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Ski Run deserves to win the Convergent Networks Middleton Stakes under Frankie Dettori.

It was on this course last summer that horse and jockey miraculously survived a slipping saddle in the closing stages of the Lonsdale Stakes. Ski Run, who was challenging for the lead at the time, eventually finished third to Royal Rebel, with Dettori hanging on for dear life. Compensation awaits Gerard Butler's filly tomorrow.

Nimello, winner of the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster in March and unbeaten in three races this season, can make it four in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Hamble-ton Rated Handicap.

Paul Cole's charge, a reformed character since being gelded, is currently going from strength to strength. He will be hard to beat.

Tim Easterby likes few things better than a two-year-old winner at York and the booking of Pat Eddery for newcomer Aunty Mary in the Convergent Telecom Dealers Maid-en Stakes should not go unheeded.

Aunty Mary has been pleasing Easterby and a bold bid is anticipated by the only filly in the race.

The versatile Serenus can give top jumps trainer Nicky Henderson a rare York success by clinching the closing Alcatel Handicap.

TOMORROW'S TIPS

YORK:

2-05 Dancing Mystery (NAP)

2-35 Ski Run

3-10 Dilshaan

3-40 Nimello

4-10 Aunty Mary

4-40 Serenus

BRIGHTON:

2-25 Star Princess

3-00 Woodyates

3-30 Needwood Mystic

4-00 It's Our Secret

4-30 Bali Royal

5-05 Maid Of Arc

Updated: 11:01 Tuesday, May 15, 2001