YORK 15:15

Non Runners: MEDRANO. Race Distance Adjustment: +24 yds

Time: 2m 8.74s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.4s (101%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 100.8%

On the back a rather underwhelming set of Derby trials in recent weeks the 2014 Dante brought together some of the most exciting 3-y-o middle-distance prospects around, amongst them last year's Racing Post Trophy winner Elm Park, Ol' Man River and John F Kennedy from Aidan O'Brien's yard and an unbeaten pair, Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs, both trained by John Gosden; not all of them met expectations, notably the Ballyodoyle pair, but it appeals as a strong renewal of this Group 2 contest nonetheless, the Gosden-trained pair dominating and, along with Elm Park, pulling right away from the rest, clocking a good time in the process, quicker than Secret Gesture in the Middleton Stakes 35 minutes earlier, whilst the closing sectional time of the winner in particular is impressive too, giving further reason to take a high view of the form.

GOLDEN HORN has made an exceptionally promising start to his career, unbeaten in 3 now, and not only has he improved in leaps and bounds but he's been seriously impressive on each start too and there's no question that, aside from Gleneagles in the 2000 Guineas, this was the best and most exciting/complete performance from any 3-y-o in 2015; patiently ridden, travelled smoothly, good headway over 2f out, quickened to lead entering final 1f, impressive; he needs supplementing for the Derby, which will cost connections £75,000, but it would be surprising if they chose not to go down that route as he'd undoubtedly head to Epsom as the one to beat, with stamina to prove admittedly, but encouragement can be taken from how strong he was at the finish in this well-run race and, although his pedigree isn't all stamina, it's well worth noting that his sire, Cape Cross, has the likes of Derby winner Sea The Stars and Oaks winner Ouija Board amongst his progeny.

JACK HOBBS lost his unbeaten record to stablemate Golden Horn but still comes out of this with his reputation and form enhanced, coping fine with the much higher level of competition after a maiden/handicap win, perhaps not quite so much the finished article as the winner either, so the added experience could easily bring him on again and he remains with plenty of potential; in touch, pushed along early in straight, challenged around 2f out, edged left, kept on; he'll probably stay 1½m and, if taking up his Derby entry, would have place claims at least, although his trainer did mention afterwards that the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot would be considered as an alternative.

ELM PARK who'd missed an intended return in the 2000 Guineas because of firm ground, did nothing but improve in juvenile campaign, winning all 4 starts after debut including the Royal Lodge and Racing Post Trophy, and this was an encouraging return from 7 months off for all that he didn't run right up to his best, leaving the impression that the run will take some freshness out of him; prominent, took strong hold, led around 3f out, headed entering final 1f, no extra; on this evidence he's not crying out for 1½m but there were other factors at play that meant he didn't see this race out strongly and everything he did as a 2-y-o pointed to longer trips suiting, whilst his sire in particular is a stamina influence, so he's certainly worth a chance over the Derby trip and remains open to improvement with this run under his belt.

NAFAQA (IRE) was just too free over this 2f longer trip; in touch, raced too freely, close up over 2f out, weakened over 1f out; although by Sir Percy, he is an eager type and may prove best at around 1m.

LORD BEN STACK (IRE) was flying too high in this grade and needs sights lowering if he's to show improvement, still not out of the qustion that he does better at some point this term; he led until around 3f out and faded.

OL' MAN RIVER (IRE) was one of Ballydoyle's big hopes for the season after winning both starts last year, including the Beresford Stakes, but seemed amiss in the 2000 Guineas 12 days earlier and didn't fare much better here, again well held; in rear, headway over 2f out, chased leaders briefly, weakened approaching final 1f; the longer trip trip is unlikely to have been the issue (by Montjeu, should stay 1¼m) and he has something to prove now.

JOHN F KENNEDY (IRE) perhaps just hasn't trained on, either that or he's just not right at present, as this was even more disappointing here than his reappearance and leaves him with something to prove; chased leaders, effort early in straight, driven over 2f out, folded.