Hurricane Lane books Derby ticket as three-year-olds continue to impress

Hurricane Lane will lead Godolphin’s hopes of securing a third Derby success after maintaining his unbeaten record with victory in last week’s G2 Dante Stakes at York.

The Frankel colt took the step up to Group-race company in his stride as he comfortably won the leading trial for the Classic and shaped as though he could be even better suited by the Derby distance of a mile and a half on the first Saturday of June.

He is set to be joined at Epsom Downs by One Ruler, who showed excellent form as a juvenile and shaped encouragingly on his seasonal return in the 2,000 Guineas.

Both colts will be looking to emulate Lammtarra and Masar, whose half-sister Sayyida scored at Newmarket over the weekend.

A good week for Godolphin’s Classic generation in Europe also saw two sprinters gain breakthrough wins. Ideal Beauty showed a blistering turn of foot to capture the G3 Prix de Saint-Georges at Longchamp, while Creative Force continued a prolific start to his season when routing the opposition in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury.

Godolphin’s juveniles in Australia have enjoyed a sensational spell and Heresy brought up the 27th two-year-old win of the season when taking the G3 David Coles Stakes. It was a landmark success as well for her sire Street Boss, who was recording his 50th Stakes winner worldwide.

This week’s Classic action includes the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday, with La Barrosa on course to head across the Irish Sea after chasing home Master Of The Seas in the G3 Craven Stakes in April.

On the same day, Lazuli could aim for another significant sprint prize in the G2 Temple Stakes at Haydock Park, while three-time G1 winner Avilius features among the nominations for the G1 Doomben Cup in Australia.