BLACK BEAR ISLAND’S late swoop clinched victory in the totesport.com Dante Stakes at York Racecourse.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt had looked to be Ballydoyle’s second string as stable jockey Johnny Murtagh opted for stable companion Freemantle.

But the 12-1 shot, ridden by Colm O’Donoghue, produced a rocket-fuelled burst in the final furlong to nab Freemantle on the line – and throw the Derby race wide open. It was O’Donoghue’s first victory on Knavesmire and the full-brother of High Chaparral was cut from 16-1 to 10-1 for the Epsom showpiece next month.

Crowded House’s Derby dreams look to be in tatters, however, after the Brian Meehan-trained colt disappointed.

Freemantle made most of the running and looked to have slipped the net as Murtagh increased the pace at the two furlong marker.

But, with the yards running out, Black Bear Island’s swift turn of foot reeled in Freemantle and he passed with a head to spare – with Sans Frontieres in third.

On Crowded House, Jamie Spencer took up a customary hold up position but, when the pace increased, last season’s impressive Doncaster Racing Post Trophy winner – the 2-1 favourite – couldn’t reproduce the goods.

A delighted O’Donoghue said: “There was plenty of pace on through the race and he travelled really well. He really started to get going when I asked him in the final two furlongs and he picked up really well to lead on the line.

“I am just happy to have been riding him on the day.”

Kevin Buckley, Coolmore Stud’s UK representative, wouldn’t be drawn on whether the Derby would be the next target for either Black Bear Island or Freemantle.

“It was a great performance – don’t forget Freemantle was having his first run of the season and Black Bear Island was probably better for having a run in France,” he said.