The Lion In Winter not discounted for Derby despite Dante disappointment

Making his first appearance since winning August's Acomb Stakes at the track, The Lion In Winter was quickly into his stride and pulled fiercely for his head during the early exchanges before eventually consenting to settle in the hands of Ryan Moore.

For the third year in succession Aidan O'Brien could bid to turn disappointment into Betfred Derby glory, with The Lion In Winter very much still in the mix for Epsom despite failing to fire in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes. Pic: Healy Racing

For the third year in succession Aidan O'Brien could bid to turn disappointment into Betfred Derby glory, with The Lion In Winter very much still in the mix for Epsom despite failing to fire in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes.

The Ballydoyle handler knows better than anyone what it takes to win the premier Classic, having saddled the winner on a record 10 occasions, and domination of the spring trials left him well placed to add to his tally in early June.