Epsom or France? Johnston team to mull over Derby options for Royal Patronage

The Derby or Prix du Jockey Club next? That is the choice facing connections of Royal Patronage following his gallant second in the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.

The son of Wootton Bassett was backed heavily throughout the day into 7-2 joint-favouritism alongside Desert Crown, but he was no match for his market rival on the Knavesmire, finishing a three-and-a-quarter-length second to the new Cazoo Derby favourite.

Royal Patronage is as short as 20-1 for the Epsom Classic, but co-trainer Charlie Johnston admitted the unique test on June 4 may not suit, and he is no certain runner at the Surrey track and could instead head to Chantilly a day later.

"That was a good run. We tried to race him with different tactics today as we wanted to teach him to settle, and I hope that will have had a positive effect going forward," Johnston said.

Royal Patronage (right) is no match for Desert Crown in the DanteCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Whether or not he'll stay, I don't know and I'm unsure on it. The winner is obviously very good and will be hard to beat at Epsom, but there's no reason why we can't throw our hat into the ring."

Should connections decide to head for the Jockey Club in a bid to give the Highclere Racing syndicate more Classic glory this month, having landed the 1,000 Guineas with Cachet, connections would need to stump up the €72,000 supplementary fee as he is not currently among the 162 entries.

Johnston said: "He could go for the Prix du Jockey Club and that could suit him better, but I had a horrible feeling that he's not in it at the moment. I'm sure we can rectify that quite soon."

Dante result and replay

Read more:

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