Desert storms to Dante glory

DESERT CROWN spiced up a Cazoo Derby in danger of turning into an Aidan O’Brien benefit with a decisive victory in the Al Basti Equiworld Dante Stakes at York.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt is now 9-4 favourite for the Epsom Classic after his three-and-a-quarterlength victory from Royal Patronage in the hands of Richard Kingscote.

Stoute had played down expectations going into the trial, saying the colt, whose only previous run had been his winning debut at Nottingham in November, was only just ready to step back on the track.

But with potential physical improvement to come and almost certain further upswing when Desert Crown races over the Derby’s furlong -and-a-half longer trip at Epsom three weeks tomorrow, it was hard not to be impressed by yesterday’s performance. Added to that is Stoute’s record of using the Dante as a stepping stone to Epsom.

He has won the trial seven times, with Shahrastani (1986) and North Light (2004) going on to win the Derby. Stoute, 76, has not had a Derby runner since 2016 but he finally has a big shot again.

He said: ‘I thought it was a strong Dante. I wasn’t confident because he had a minor setback in late February. We had to take our time and he was only just ready to run now.

‘He travelled well and he accelerated pleasingly. He has to go to Epsom with a very sound chance.’