Cape Blanco (9-2) boosted his Investec Derby claims with an impressive victory in the Totesport Dante Stakes.
Ballydoyle colt impresses in York trial
Cape Blanco (9-2) boosted his Investec Derby claims with an impressive victory in the Totesport Dante Stakes at York.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien was landing his third victory in the Derby trial with the son of Galileo, who maintained an unbeaten record following his three victories in 2009.
Outsider Circumvent set the race up for Coordinated Cut to lay down the first challenge in the straight, hotly pursued by the Ballydoyle colt.
The once-raced Workforce also started to make progress despite hanging into the far rail but Cape Blanco got first run as Johnny Murtagh drove his partner ahead.
Workforce rallied to take second but the winner was long gone, Murtagh able to ease down close home to cross the line three and a quarter lengths clear, with Coordinated Cut threequarters of a length further back.
The disappointment of the race was Sandown winner Chabal, who was sent off the 7-4 favourite but was under pressure a long way from home and finished tailed off.
Contender
Paul Smith, son of Cape Blanco's part-owner Derrick Smith, said: "That was a real trial and we've always thought he was a good horse.
"We hoped he'd run well and he's now a serious contender (for the Derby). He seemed to stay well so we'll have to see what happens.
"Johnny said he travelled well and quickened well and you couldn't be anything but delighted with that."
O'Brien now has two of the market leaders for the Investec Derby with St Nicholas Abbey also on course for Epsom.
The runner-up's trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: "The bit went through his mouth turning into the straight which wouldn't have helped him at all.
"He's only had the one race and is just a big baby. I'm sure he'll be better with some cut in the ground."
Michael Bell, trainer of the third home Coordinated Cut, said: "He's run a very good race and the small field wouldn't have suited him.
"Jamie (Spencer) had to force the pace early in the straight. It's too early to say where we'll go next, but my gut feeling would be the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, but that is not set in stone."
