Hurricane Lane another Derby challenger for Frankel after Dante Stakes strike

Three years after Masar's historic Derby success, Godolphin look to have another livewire contender in Dante Stakes hero Hurricane Lane, a son of Frankel who was making it a third win from as many starts in Thursday's Group 2.

The imposing chestnut, who was bred by Philippa Cooper's Normandie Stud, was a 200,000gns purchase by Godolphin at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. He stayed on strongly to defeat Megallan, a son of Kingman, by three-quarters of a length.

Hurricane Lane is the second foal out of Gale Force - a daughter of Shirocco who struck in the Listed Prix Denisy over 1m7f for James Fanshawe in 2015 - and a full-brother to the German Listed-placed Frankel's Storm, a dual winner for Mark Johnston and Nick Bradley Racing.

Hurricane Lane: out of the Shirocco mare Gale Force, a half-sister to British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes heroine Seal Of ApprovalCredit: Mark Cranham

Gale Force is herself a half-sister to Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes heroine Seal Of Approval, a daughter of Authorized, and Instance, a Group 3-placed daughter of Invincible Spirit.

The trio are out of the Dr Devious mare Hannda, an Aga Khan-bred maiden winner for John Oxx and a half-sister to three black type performers including Concorde Stakes scorer Hamairi and Hanakiyya, the dam of Prix Bertrand du Breuil winner Hunaina and Irish 1,000 Guineas Trial heroine Hamariyna.

Hurricane Lane was also providing his sire with a 45th individual Group winner and is now one of two leading Cazoo Derby contenders for the Banstead Manor Stud sire following Mohaafeth's easy Listed strike at Newmarket on Guineas weekend.

Interestingly, Shadwell's Mohaafeth was also bred by Normandie Stud, meaning Cooper has the rare distinction of having supplied two of the top four in the betting for this season's Epsom Classic.

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