Talking Horses: Six key questions ahead of the 243rd Epsom Derby
Desert Crown showed some star quality when winning the Dante Stakes at York and may be able to defy his inexperience in the Epsom Derby. Picture: Healy Racing
Having won the Dante Stakes at York in fine style, Desert Crown is the right favourite for the 243rd renewal of the Epsom Derby. The Michael Stoute-trained colt won his maiden on soft ground in Nottingham last November before a slight spring hold-up delayed his return until the Dante. The fact he was backed for the Derby ahead of that York assignment strongly suggested he was showing connections’ the right signs and he backed up those positive vibes with a smooth success on the Knavesmire. That was over 10 furlongs but the step up to a mile and a half shouldn’t be an issue and reports of an impressive recent piece of work with 112-rated stablemate Solid Stone only add to his appeal.
