Andrew Balding eyeing Duke of York return for Dancing Star

Dancing Star could kick off her season in the Duke of York Stakes on May 17.Andrew Balding's filly won four times last term, culminating in victory in the ultra-competitive Stewards' Cup at Goodwood last July.She had to settle for ninth place when stepped up to Group One level in the Sprint Cup at Haydock on what was her final start of the campaign, but can be expected to be better than ever as a four-year-old this term.Balding said: " She went from strength to strength last year and got better as the season went on. She is a lovely filly to have in the yard. "We will let her just come to herself, but I think the Duke of York could be an option for her."I'd hope she can play a part in the big sprint races, as the Stewards' Cup is a pretty good guide to how they will go the next year."Another horse for whom Balding has high hopes is the Derby-entered Count Octave.Third on his Goodwood debut last October, the son of Frankel was thoroughly impressive on his return to action at Wolverhampton on Tuesday. "We are just going to let him come out of the race and just see how he is. We gave him the run as he was going through the motions a bit at home, but I thought he did it well," said the Kingsclere handler. "There is more to work on and we will take our time. We will see how he is working and see where we are in a month's time."More needs to be achieved before he takes up that (Derby) entry."