Charlie Appleby-trained winner cut to 6-1 for Epsom ClassicFavourite High Definition finishes a staying-on thirdThe last major Derby trial unearthed a credible opponent for Bolshoi Ballet, the warm favourite for the Classic, here on Thursday, as
Hurricane Lane maintained his unbeaten record with a determined three-quarter length success in the Group Two Dante Stakes. High Definition, the Derby favourite throughout the winter, could finish only third on his first start since September.
Hurricane Lane’s attitude was perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Thursday’s race. Both the winner and High Definition were outpaced when Hollie Doyle, on the front-running Roman Empire, briefly went clear around three furlongs out, but William Buick’s mount dug deep to launch a sustained run to lead approaching the final furlong and then found more when Megallan briefly drew alongside a few seconds later.