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Did we see the Derby winner in the Dante? Our experts have their say

Hurricane Lane: out of the Shirocco mare Gale Force, a half-sister to British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes heroine Seal Of Approval
Hurricane Lane: a 6-1 shot for the Derby after his Dante Stakes successCredit: Mark Cranham

'I would have doubts about him at Epsom'

I don't think so. He's too short to back now, but if you have a decent price on Bolshoi Ballet then you're laughing.

The Dante winner Hurricane Lane is a strong stayer with a commendable attitude, but I would have doubts about him at Epsom because he is such a powerful specimen.

Although he won, he didn't come down the Dip all that well in Newmarket on debut, and I'd rather side with a more agile horse.

Megallan will head to the Prix du Jockey Club to see if he can emulate stablemate Mishriff next, while I wouldn't rule out a better showing from High Definition next time – but I don't like the way he races and he doesn't look as fast as Bolshoi Ballet.
Maddy Playle, RPTV


'He's answered every call' - Buick impressed as Hurricane Lane now 6-1 for Derby


Bolshoi Ballet is clear under Ryan Moore in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial
Bolshoi Ballet: Derby favourite impressed in the DerrinstownCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

'He doesn't look an obvious Derby winner'

Probably not. I wasn't blown away with winner Hurricane Lane or second Megallan and I reckon High Definition will prove the best horse in the Dante in time, but he doesn't look an obvious Derby winner.

High Definition shaped nicely in third, but he looks like he is going to need every yard of a mile and a half. In fact, the St Leger might end up being his race.

Bolshoi Ballet now looks the outstanding candidate for Epsom.
Graeme Rodway, tipster


Watch Bolshoi Ballet win at Leopardstown


'His Derby odds are justifiable'

Three potential Derby candidates trained by Charlie Appleby suffered defeat in the last week, but the fact Hurricane Lane was pointed towards traditionally one of the strongest trials suggested he was the pick of the trainer's squad.

The first two home had a race fitness edge, but Hurricane Lane will improve again for stepping up to 1m4f and appears to be versatile regarding track and ground.

His price of 6-1 for the Derby is justifiable. High Definition was an eyecatcher, but he will have to sharpen up significantly to figure at Epsom.
Jack Haynes, reporter


Watch Hurricane Lane win the Dante


Read more on the Classics:

Snowfall, Santa Barbara or someone else - who wins the Oaks?

Snowfall second favourite for Oaks after dominant performance

Masterful Ryan Moore key to Snowfall's dominant success


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Published on 13 May 2021inReports

Last updated 18:40, 13 May 2021

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