York Dante Meeting: Four races you can’t miss as the action rolls onto the Knavesmire this week

THE DANTE meeting is always a highlight of the summer, but this season it could hold even more importance for the season ahead.

The Derby and Oaks look as open as they can be, and amongst trials for Epsom there are a handful of races you can't miss at York this week.

Wednesday 3.00 - Clipper Logistic Stakes, Group 2, 6f

A number of top sprinters return to the track on Wednesday and a number of entries will be hoping to take this on their way to Royal Ascot.

Invincible Army is the early favourite after making a hugely impressive return at Doncaster in March. He's yet to quite live up to his early potential but this summer could see him take the next step in his career for James Tate.

Brando will be looking to bounce back from a poor run at Newmarket when 15-8 favourite. He was second to Harry Angel in this last year.

Limato is also set to return - so long as the ground, pollen, air quality and car parking availability are all in favour.

Projection, Donjuan Triumphant, Suedois and Son Of Rest are other notable entries.

Wednesday 3.35 - Musidora Stakes, Group 3, 1m2.5f

This race has thrown up some top fillies - So Mi Dar, Madame Chang and The Fugue have all starred in recent years.

The Oaks is wide open this season. Admittedly John Gosden looks to have a strong hand as usual, and he could have another couple run here that throw their hat into the Epsom ring.

Leading those hopes is the monster Sparkle Roll, who is looking to back up her Sandown win a couple of weeks back.

She is a huge horse and has been well spoken of within the racing bubble. She should come forwards for her Sandown win and could be an exciting horse this summer. Whether the Oaks is her cup of tea, we will learn a lot on Wednesday.

Stablemate Entitle is also well regarded. A half-sister to superstar Enable, she could cause a stir with a big win on the Knavesmire. Frankie Dettori is already booked.

William Haggas is likely to run Frankellina, while Ralph Beckett is hoping to run another promising filly in Sand Share.

Aidan O'Brien will send over a couple of barometers, and has entered Peach Tree and Fire Fly.

Thursday 3.00 - Dante Stakes, Group 2, 1m2.5f

Long-considered the strongest of all Derby trials, the race looks even more important than ever this season.

A monster clash between Too Darn Hot and Japan is on the cards - and if either win, they could well be thrown to the top of the Derby betting.

Aidan O'Brien currently has five of the top six in the Derby market after a week of dominating the Trials at home, but also at Chester and Lingfield. We should learn where Japan fits in that pecking order at the very least.