Item makes Epsom Derby case with Dante win

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• Published46 minutes ago

Item appears a serious Epsom Derby contender after his unbeaten run continued with a win in the Dante Stakes at York.

A son of racing great Frankel, the 11-2 priced Item had won both of his races as a juvenile and was ridden confidently by Colin Keane to claim the statement win.

In his first run of the season, Andrew Balding-trained Item stayed close to race leader Action before pulling away in the final furlong to finish nearly three lengths clear, with Action (4-1) and the 11-4 favourite Christmas Day running in second and third.

The result presents owners Juddmonte with another Derby prospect after Legacy Link won the Musidora on Wednesday.

Juddmonte racing manager Barry Mahon said of Item: "He does his work nicely at home, but he's not flashy and we were a little unsure where we were, but that was a good performance.

"We've won a trial so the obvious place to go is the Derby, Juddmonte buy and breed these horses to compete at the top table in the best races and the Epsom Derby is still one of the best races in the world.

"Colin said he felt like a horse who would get further so we'll talk to the owners, but hopefully they'll want to go to Epsom."

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