James Ferguson's leading Derby hope Canberra Legend is all systems go to step up in trip at York in the Dante Stakes as the three year old steps up his preparation for the Epsom feature.
Believed to be highly touted from this yard the well bred son of Australia was seen for the first time at Newcastle in February and went on to bolt up over a mile.
Newcastle has been a racecourse used by many smart stars on debut as a stepping stone to a great career and with stamina in this horses pedigree and he showed that at Newmarket when winning the Listed Feilden Stakes well.
đŠđș Canberra Legend - still unbeaten for @jamesferguson89 & @D_Muscutttt @NewmarketRace
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 19, 2023
đ Two runs
đ„ Two wins
đ· 350,000gns purchase
đ @bet365 Fielden Stakes
đ 20/1 for the 2000 Guineas pic.twitter.com/dgoakGcA8V
Skipping in the 2000 Guineas and instead now heading to the Group Two Dante Stakes at York, his handler believes he is a horse going places.
(Credit Racing Post) "The Dante will determine where we go, whether England, France or neither," said Ferguson.
"He's versatile in terms of the ground. He's a big old horse and he won the Feilden on good to soft. He travels very strongly and is an easy enough ride because he settles at any speed.
"He was very inexperienced last time and just needed to learn a bit as he went into the Dip but as soon as he hit the rising ground I'm sure Danny Muscutt felt he had the race in the bag."