North Light shines in Dante

North Light faced a late challenge from Rule Of Law

Kieren Fallon rode a tactically perfect race on North Light to win the Totesport Dante Stakes at York.

The champion jockey sent North Light to the front a full five furlongs out and allowed the colt's stamina to hold on by half a length.

Rule of Law, under Frankie Dettori, challenged in the final furlong but North Light had enough left to hold on for victory.

Favourite Let The Lion Roar, ridden by Mick Kinane, was third.

North Light's victory was the third in the race, which is one of the most important trials for the Derby, for champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute.

Bookmakers were impressed with the colt's run, slashing his Derby odds from about 25-1 to about 8-1.

And Fallon, who has already won the Epsom Classic twice, was quick to underline North Light's Derby potential.

"He's got everything you would like for the race," said Fallon.

I would hope he'd act on the track at Epsom as he's a well-balanced, athletic horse Trainer Sir Michael Stoute on North Light

"He's got toe, a great attitude and there's no reason why he wouldn't stay the trip.

"The only worry I had today was that he might be a top-of-the-ground horse, but that good to soft going didn't seem to stop him."

"It was a great trial - possibly the strongest of them so far," added Fallon.

Trainer Stoute was also full of praise for North Light and confirmed that the Derby was the next target.

"He's got a got a lovely temperament and a lot of scope. He has always been a horse brimmed full of promise," said Stoute.

"I would hope he'd act on the track at Epsom as he's a well-balanced, athletic horse."

Runner-up Rule Of Law will also be aimed at Epsom with connections delighted with his display.

But there was a sting in the tail for jockey Dettori, who received a four-day ban (May 23-26) for using his whip with excessive frequency, out of stride pattern and without giving his mount time to respond.

The suspension will rule the Italian jockey out of the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

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Totesport Dante Stakes (G2)
York, 1m 2f

1 North Light (K Fallon) 6-1
2 Rule of Law (L Dettori) 8-1
3 Let The Lion Roar (M Kinane) 3-1f
Ten ran. Dist: ½l, 1½l.