Hurricane Lane wins Dante Stakes at York

Hurricane Lane burst into the picture for the Cazoo Derby when knuckling down gamely to win the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York.

Ridden by William Buick and trained by Charlie Appleby, the son of Frankel took control well inside the furlong to claim the Group Two honours.

It was a welcome boost for Godolphin and Appleby after several previous runners in the recognised Classic Trials fell short of expectations.

Hurricane Lane (5-1) had to work hard to extend his 100 per cent record on his third career start.

High Definition was sent off the 13-8 favourite to strike for Aidan O’Brien. But it was the stable’s second string Roman Empire, ridden by Hollie Doyle, who looked like springing a surprise after opening up a long lead into the straight.

However, Roman Empire came back to the field, and the finish was fought out by Hurricane Lane and Megallan, trained by John and Thady Gosden.

Hurricane Lane ground out success by three-quarters of a length. High Definition was a further length and a quarter away in third, with Roman Empire fourth.

Hurricane Lane was cut to 6-1 from 12-1 for the Derby with Betfair and Paddy Power.

Buick said: “I was very pleased, this is the most important trial.

“It looked like a strong renewal of the Dante and this race always throws up a Derby candidate.

“This horse is still learning on the job, he jumped out and we got ourselves a nice position where I could just leaved him alone and build him up when I wanted to.

“It rode like a good race, for a trial it was a true-run race.”