Expert Analysis

Dantes can be pretty variable in terms of strength, from those won by future Derby winners (like North Light, Motivator, Authorized and Golden Horn this century) to far more forgettable renewals, but the signs are that this year’s will be one of the better ones, or at least its winner will prove to be one of the better winners. It brought together some promising types and some more established performers, with Desert Crown in the former category handing out a convincing beating of Royal Patronage from the latter. The overall time is smart (over 2.0s quicker than Lilac Road’s win in an admittedly slow-paced Middleton earlier on the card) and the sectionals shown by the winner a bit better than that too, with his final 3f of 35.61s translating to a 105.9% finishing speed. Masekela played up in his stall and was withdrawn.

DESERT CROWN (118 here, 96+ previously) went to the top of the pecking order for The Derby at Epsom, and with full justification, his win on what was just his second start combining style and substance to be within touching distance of the level usually required to win racing’s blue riband. He settled nicely mid to rear in a well-run race, made good headway to lead with 2f to go, then edged right but ran on powerfully, still strong at the line. His striding suggests he will be as good at 12f as this 10.3f, though not necessarily better, and perhaps inexperience is his only weak suit, this win coming on the back of just an easy maiden success at Nottingham (same race as won by Space Blues and Mishriff), both races having taken place on “good” going. 

ROYAL PATRONAGE (112 here and previously) duly confirmed himself as good as ever, back to the form he showed when winning the Acomb here and Royal Lodge at Newmarket at two, held up in touch at this longer distance, quickening into contention 2f out and running on but finding the impressive winner much too strong. 10f/11f may prove far enough for him judged on striding but there should be plenty of races to aim him at with that in mind. 

BLUEGRASS (107 here, 99 previously) may do better still at 12f, or ultimately at even further than that, close up until getting comprehensively outpaced before 3f out, rallying in the closing stages without threatening the first two.

DARK MOON RISING (103 here, 100 previously) ran well, his proximity likely underlining that he is useful rather than calling the wider form into question, tracking the pace before having every chance briefly 3f out.

KINGMAX (102 here and previously) ran well again, held up and making only a brief forward move.

WHITE WOLF (99 here, 82+ previously) had achieved little in winning at Southwell and improved plenty here, though put in his place after leading until 2f out.

EL BODEGON (99 here, 111 previously) had achieved as much as any in the field previously, notably by beating Stone Age in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud (got the run of the race but still very useful form), but disappointed on this less-testing surface, well there until weakening after 2f out. He should be back to form with this behind him.

MAGISTERIAL (97 here, 93+ previously) found this much tougher and strictly speaking ran as well as might be expected on form, held up in last and failing to improve when asked. Rather surprisingly, the stewards not only enquired into his performance but noted rather than accepted explanations (including that Magisterial was put off by Masekela’s antics at the start).