CAPE BLANCO was installed as second favourite for the Derby after a hugely impressive totesport.com Dante Stakes victory at York Racecourse.

The unbeaten three-year-old, a 9-2 shot ridden by Johnny Murtagh and trained by Aidan O’Brien, blew away the much fancied Workforce by three and a quarter lengths in Knavesmire’s premier Epsom trial.

Chabal, Godolphin’s great hope in the one and a quarter mile £150,000 Group 2 contest, could only finish a disappointing fourth – 20 lengths behind the winner who, predictably, was catapulted up the betting for next month’s Classic.

Race sponsors totesport immediately shortened Cape Blanco from 14-1 to 7-2 for the Derby, which was no surprise considering the colt’s superb display.

Travelling well throughout, Murtagh shot his charge to the front at the furlong marker and easily moved away from his challengers.

Murtagh said: “He’s quite tenacious and very brave. This is a very good Derby trial and I have always liked this horse.”