Investec Derby 2017 – John Gosden’s Cracksman faces a tough test in Thursday’s Dante Stakes
John Gosden's three-year-old is well fancied for the Derby but he will have his credentials severely tested on the Knavesmire with a strong field assembled to take Dante glory
CRACKSMAN puts his Derby credentials on the line in Thursday's Betfred Dante Stakes at York.
John Gosden's unbeaten colt scrambled home in the Investec Derby Trial at Epsom on his reappearance, but the form has been franked by Mark Johnston's Permian who lines up against him again on the Knavesmire.
Godolphin are throwing four exciting prospects at the Group 2 contest.
Saeed bin Suroor runs Benbatl, third to Eminent in the Craven on just his second start, while Charlie Appleby is represented by Wolf Country.
The Kevin Ryan-trained Syphax won the Acomb Stakes last season before being bought by Godolphin while David Elsworth's Frankel colt Swiss Storm also takes his chance.
Joseph O'Brien saddles Rekindling, who was with David Wachman last year, and won the Ballysax on his return to action.
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O'Brien's father Aidan is represented by Exemplar, third in the Beresford Stakes last season.
Sir Michael Stoute's Crystal Ocean has been well supported for both the Dante and Derby this week and takes his chance, while Richard Fahey's Forest Ranger, who beat Syphax in a £100,000 contest at Newcastle on Good Friday, is another solid contender.
The field is completed by David Menuisier's Contrapposto, fourth in the Craven first time out this year.