Dante Stakes 2014

2.45 York

Betfred Dante Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1)  (3YO only)

Winner £85,065

Advice: 4.5 pts True Story (8/11 general)

Arod: Highly rated ahead of 2yo debut at Kempton where he shaped with promise despite failing to justify favouritism on only juvenile start; Much better upped to 10 furlongs on reappearance at Windsor, going from the front early and winning as he liked; Clearly has potential but must settle better and this a severe rise in class although well worth his chance.

Bunker: Plenty to like about his smooth debut at Haydock and second to subsequent Group 2 winner Berkshire at Ascot before getting the better of Karakontie in Prix Francois Boutin; Subsequent form of both those races has been franked upto highest level and stepped up in trip, now has chance to fulfil own potential; Big effort expected.

Odeon: Runner up’s handicap win underlines promise of nine length 1m1f Redcar fast-ground maiden on return last month, an this extra furlong sure to suit more although best days on pedigree likely to be at 1m4f and above; Masses more needed today though.

Saab Almanal: Bumped into two decent types at Notthingham, no match for winner with previous experience over a mile before then being edged out by well backed type there on reappearance this season; Will find a race but likely today isn’t it.

The Great Gatsby: Very smart 2yo last year when second in Acorn Stakes here and Champagne at Doncaster; Not at best on easier surface in Racing Post Trophy but better on return in Craven Stakes; Limitations exposed when beaten into tenth in Guineas however and stamina for 10 furlongs not guaranteed.

True Story: Slow into stride and just beaten for speed by stablemate Outstrip on debut but outclassed opposition in maiden there next time over 7f and then looked a serious prospect when trashing opposition in Fielden Stakes on return at Newmarket, seven lengths clear but still going away at the finish with two horses having boosted that form since (not at their best on day but wouldn’t have touched True Story); Worry about ground earlier but rivals have to act on it too and will take the beating in main derby trial here.

VERDICT: The ground had been a worry for TRUE STORY when it was raining over the weekend but conditions have dried enough for him to take his chance and even then none of his five rivals have noteworthy form on this surface. In any case, on his Fielden win it will take a very big performance to beat him and he should have enough to beat the promising Bunker and Arod and book his Epsom ticket in style.