Dante Stakes: Mark Johnston's Permian set for Epsom Derby entry after trial win at York Racecourse

Permian strides clear of the field in the final furlong at York (Photo: PA)

Winning trainer Mark Johnston confirmed that the three-year-old colt is likely to be supplemented for the blue riband race.

Ridden by Franny Norton, Permian, an 11/1 shot, outbattled Benbatl in a thrilling finish to a race that celebrates 1945 Derby winner Dante - the last Yorkshire winner of the iconic race.

"He's not in the Derby, that might change," said Middleham-based Johnston who credited John Ferguson, Sheikh Mohammed's racing manager, for persuading him to run the horse at York.

Later, Ferguson confirmed the horse will be added to the Derby field which is currently headed by 2000 Guineas winner Churchill from Aidan O'Brien's yard.

The result also highlights the credentials of John Gosden's Guardsman who was withdrawn from the Dante because of unsuitably soft going.

Guardsman and Benbatl were involved in a thrilling finish at Epsom last month, the Gosden runner prevailing by a short head.

Yet, while doubts surround Guardsman's stamina, Permian relished the strong pace on the Knavesmire with Norton taking time to pull his mount up after crossing the winning post in triumph.

The last Yorkshire winner of the Dante to run in the Derby was Karl and Elaine Burke's Libertarian who won the York trial in 2013 before finishing second at Epsom.