STOUTE HAS A NEW JEWEL IN THE CROWN

THE OLD glint in the eye of Sir Michael Stoute suddenly returned when Desert Crown crossed the line by emphatically winning the Dante at York this week.

Tragically, Stoute lost his wife recently and best friend Michael Holding decided to leave the UK. The legendary trainer was also a victim of Shadwell Estate’s downsizing and lost a few potential top-class horses. Stoute has also trimmed down his stable operation and the racing world seemed poised to witness a sad and rather excruciating decline of an increasingly forlorn figure.

Not now. The 10-time champion trainer has a live chance of winning a 16th British Classic now that Desert Crown is favourite for next month’s Derby. An iconic race needs a fairytale runner and story. It has it in Desert Crown, who lugged right when powering away to win the Dante on just his second career start. There is obviously more improvement to come but the cambers of Epsom may catch him out for experience.

Stoute was ‘pleased’ by the performance and explained how relaxed physically and mentally the colt is. Short answers delivered in style. Just like old times and Desert Crown has every chance of giving Stoute a sixth Derby success. The master is back at the very top table and the world’s most famous Flat race is all the better for it.