Desert Crown ran out a decisive winner of the Cazoo Derby (In Memory Of Lester Piggott) at Epsom – giving trainer Sir Michael Stoute a sixth success in the premier Classic.
Ridden by Richard Kingscote, the Dante victor was sent off the 5-2 favourite for the 12-furlong showpiece and could be called the winner from some way out.
Kingscote was travelling notably well at the top of the straight and when he gave the signal, Desert Crown eased clear of the field and galloped all the way home to triumph in style.
Hoo Ya Mal, a 150-1 outsider, posted a career best in second with Westover staying on for third place.
Kingscote told ITV Racing: “You can’t really (put it into words). I’ve had a lot of support and this gentleman here (Stoute) and this fabulous horse.
“He’s obviously got a huge amount of class, he jumped great, got in a pitch, travelled great and turned in going really well. It was all lovely.
“He’s got a lot of class and gave me a lot of confidence. It’s all about him and Sir Michael really.
“He’s a lovely horse and he’s a lovely gentleman that trains him.”
The bookmaker were taken by his classy performance, making him the new favourite for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Desert Crown is now 3/1 from 10/1 for the French Group 1.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Punters are well and truly raising a glass to Desert Crown this afternoon after his impressive Derby victory. He was an extremely popular favourite and by far the worst result in the book so definitely a day we would rather forget."
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