YORK 14:45

All 6 ran.

Time: 2m 8.99s

Overrounds: Industry SP 108%, Betfair SP 101.2%

With the exception of Cape Blanco in 2010 recent winners of the Dante have failed to go on to really prove themselves at the very highest level and it looks as if that's a trend that'll continue for now, the race blown wide open by a disappointing effort from clear standard-setter and odds-on favourite True Story, and The Great Gatsby's winning rating is the lowest in this race since Black Bear Island in 2009; the free-going Odeon soon had the field strung right out and it was a well-run affair.

THE GREY GATSBY (IRE) looked the most exposed member of the field, fairly well established having been a constant in Group races since his winning debut at this track last summer, and had stamina to prove up 2f in trip, but the extra distance proved to be in his favour and, with True Story performing below expectations, he needed only to improve slightly to win a substandard Dante; in touch in third place, travelled well, headway 3f out, led under 2f out, hung badly right, ending up on the stands rail, but kept on well and saw things out thoroughly; he's not even entered in the Derby, 1½m likely to stretch him anyway, but sticking to this trip for the Prix du Jockey Club is an option, one that would be tougher than this and require further progress it has to be said.

AROD (IRE) has improved a lot with each run to date, running very well up in grade here, confirming the good impression made at Windsor 4 weeks ago as he showed a smart level of form, still showing signs of inexperience too, so sure to find this aiding his development; dropped out, travelled better than most, good headway over 3f out, driven under 2f out, took time to knuckle down before switched entering final 1f, then ran on; he's still unexposed and will probably stay 1½m, for all that his pedigree doesn't strongly point towards another step up in trip.

TRUE STORY showed in the Feilden that he's one of the more talented 3-y-o colts, no doubting that performance as it's fully backed up by an excellent timefigure, and it may just be that such a big performance on that first start of the season had taken plenty out of him and was still telling here, whilst it's the first time he's encountered softish ground too; held up, took keen hold early, headway over 3f out, briefly looking sure to come all the way through, but already seemed held when hampered by winner hanging across him entering final 1f, proving one paced; this obviously knocks True Story's Derby claims significantly, especially with the race only a few weeks away, and it's looking increasingly the case that 2000 Guineas-third Australia will be very hard to beat at Epsom.

ODEON was very impressive in what has proved to be a strong maiden at Redcar last month and progressed again up in grade despite being rather too buzzed up to necessarily show himself to very best effect, sweating and on his toes in the preliminaries, an eagerness that was evident in the race too, soon well clear taking a strong hold, headed around 2f out and actually sticking in there better than might have been expected considering he'd done plenty already; a big, good-looking colt, Odeon still has some growing up to do mentally but is bred to be suited by 1½m+ and, given more time, should improve further.

BUNKER (IRE) is a big colt, stronger this year than last, and probably needed the run after 9 months off; chased leader, ridden 3f out, every chance under 2f out, weakened final 1f, not unduly punished; he beat French Guineas winner Karakontie on his final 2-y-o outing and that piece of form, as well as his physique, means he remains with potential for the season ahead.

SAAB ALMANAL seemed to excel himself up in grade, running to a useful level of form, though possibly flattered by it as he was only closing up late from towards the back and never threatened the principals; he will stay 1½m and is a big, strong colt.