Carlton House Captures Dante and Heads for Epsom

After a swashbuckling score in the Group 2 Dante Stakes left open the possibility of a royal derby-winner, the bookies promptly clipped Carlton House (Street Cry) down to a miniscule 6/4 ante post price in the build up to the 2011 Investec Derby.

Piloted expertly by Ryan Moore, the three-year-old Darley-bred bay sat just off the leading contenders and when the seam opened up he scythed through them with a turn of foot that left many in the gallery breathless and many in the gallery screaming with excitement. It was an accomplished and emphatic performance for a contender who was geared down in the final steps.

It appears to be full-speed ahead to Epsom and he has come out of the race well according to connections.

Several bookmakers released statements following the race with many expecting a prominent royal-themed gamble and many indicated that they expect him to go off at odds-on come race-day if the punters confidence doesn't wane.

The Dante lacked a significant amount of pace with even jockey Ryan Moore criticizing the lack of speed and declaring that observers would have a tough time taking much from the contest, “it was a horrid race. There was no real pace, it's a shame because no-one would have learnt a great deal.”

Recital (Montjeu) and fellow Dante contestant Seville (Galileo) have been installed as the second favourites with both contenders sitting at 7/1 ante post. Juddmonte-bred World Domination (Kingmambo) put in a solid shift in the Dante but would have liked a bit more speed to take advantage of and could only finish but his fourth-place showing was a clear indication that he needs more experience on track as he couldn't respond appropriately once the pace picked up. He trades at a lengthy 20/1.

The Investec Derby unfolds at Epsom Downs on June 4.