Dante win raises optimism for Permian's Derby attempt

Connections of Dante Stakes hero Permian are confident he will put up a big performance in the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday week.
Permian strides clear of the field in the final furlong at York (Photo: PA)Permian strides clear of the field in the final furlong at York (Photo: PA)
Permian strides clear of the field in the final furlong at York (Photo: PA)

Trained in Middleham by Mark Johnston, the son of Teolfilo was beaten just a short head by Cracksman in the Derby Trial at Epsom and has since won a Listed race at Newmarket, as well as last week’s Dante at York.

After his triumph on the Knavesmire, connections immediately stated their intention to supplement the horse at a cost of £85,000.

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While Permian does not run in the Godolphin blue, he is owned by Sheikh Mohammed’s son and falls under the remit of Godolphin racing manager John Ferguson.

Ferguson said: “He’s improved so much from when he ran (at Epsom). He improved again when he won the Newmarket Stakes and improved again when he won the Dante. I think he’s a horse with a really big chance.”

Best Of Days, Best Solution, Dubai Thunder and Benbatl are also in the Derby mix for Godolphin, and Ferguson said: “At this stage we have five names on the team sheet and we have still got 10 days to go and we will see what happens. All five have genuine legitimate chances.”

John Gosden admits that Cracksman might lack the requisite experience to win the premier Classic, but believes the colt is far from alone on that score.

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The son of Frankel was one of a handful of horses to work on the track at the annual Breakfast with the Stars event on Tuesday, a route Gosden took with his 2015 Derby winner Golden Horn.

Cracksman was partnered by big-race jockey Frankie Dettori as the pair worked over a mile in company with the Rab Havlin-ridden Pealer.

Gosden only decided to come to the Epsom event after he 
abandoned plans to run in the Dante because he felt it was the right call not to run on soft ground.

The Clarehaven handler said: “I’ve been lucky enough to come here and do a nice old breeze with him – not fast, flat-out work, more to get him to see the place again, have a day out. That makes a very big difference and I am pleased we are able to do that. It is a good opportunity but it is not the same as a race.

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“He goes there a fit, happy horse – a touch light on experience, but he is not the only one.

“I think the mile and half will be right up his alley and we didn’t supplement him for fun in April,” he added.