RECORD prize money is on offer as a star-studded season gets under way at York Racecourse tomorrow.

Nearly £850,000 is up for grabs in the three-day May Festival – the highlight of which is the Group 2 Dante Stakes on Thursday.

Valued at £150,000, Crowded House is expected to be the favourite for the mile and a quarter contest, which is Britain’s richest, highest-rated and most informative Derby trial.

Ireland’s Aidan O’Brien dominates the entries, with five of his charges standing their ground at the latest declaration stage.

Among the quintet is Black Bear Island, who is as short as 12-1 for the Derby after finishing third last month in the Group 3 Prix La Force at Longchamp.

Freemantle, Stately Home, Malibu Bay and Rockhampton could also represent the Ballydoyle handler.

Also left in the race at the moment is Ascot Autumn Stakes winner Kite Wood, along with the unbeaten Nehaam, while Monitor Closely may represent Peter Chapple-Hyam, who won the Derby with Authorized in 2007.

The Queen’s Royal Ascot winner Free Agent, along with Craven Stakes runner-up Sans Frontieres, could also be in the mix.

The action on Knavesmire kicks off tomorrow with two Group races.

The Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes will help to sort out the best three-year-old fillies.

Last year’s winner, the Irish-trained Lush Lashes, went on to win three Group 1 races, including the Darley Yorkshire Oaks.

The £100,000 Group 2 Duke Of York Stakes over six furlongs should attract a host of top sprinters, including several trained in the county.

Last year a tight finish saw Assertive, from the yard of Richard Hannon hold off War Artist, with the pair continuing to meet in top sprints over the remainder of the season.

Thursday’s Dante Day also features The totepool Middleton Stakes – a Group 3 race for fillies and mares.

Friday’s big race is The Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup, a Group 2 contest for leading stayers over one mile and three-quarters.

There was an epic finish to this £140,000 race last year, with Geordieland prevailing by a head.

The defending champion will be looking to retain his crown, but faces a tough line-up including Royal And Regal, the runner up 12 months ago.

Trainer Marco Botti plans to field promising young stayer Fiulin, who comfortably won the Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham last month.

Malton-based Richard Fahey was the leading trainer at York last season for the third successive year, and he will be presented with the Minster Jaguar Trophy as he begins his defence.

Jimmy Quinn was the top jockey last year on the Knavesmire, winning the title for the first time.

For more information log on to www.yorkracecourse.co.uk