Epictetus team aiming for Epsom clarity in Dante - could Frankie Dettori end up with a tricky Derby choice to make?

Connections of Epictetus hope he can advance his Classic claims in Thursday's Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes, with a bold show setting up the possibility that Frankie Dettori could yet have quite the choice to make before his last ride in the Betfred Derby on June 3.

After Epictetus made a winning return to action in Epsom's Blue Riband Trial last month, joint-trainer John Gosden warned that, despite appearing to have handled the track's unique undulations, the colt might lack the requisite stamina for the Derby and could just as easily head to Chantilly for the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club.

Owner George Strawbridge’s racing manager James Wigan says the camp have an open mind and hopes the long straight at York will provide enough of a test of staying power – even over the same mile and two-and-a-half furlong trip as the Jockey Club – to give them a clear steer as to whether the son of Kingman could become a live Derby candidate.