ROARING Lion, whose reputation had taken a knock since his glittering two-year-old days, came right back into classic consideration with an impressive victory in the Group 2 Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.

John Gosden’s colt, who ran poorly in the Craven at Newmarket before finishing a much better fifth behind Saxon Warrior in the 2000 Guineas, eased between horses for Oisin Murphy and burst clear to beat Mildenberger by four and a half lengths. Aidan O’Brien’s Zabriskie started at 50/1 but still accounted for the others.

Mildenberger made most but was briefly headed by Gosden’s other runner Crossed Baton before Roaring Lion, 3/1 favourite, made his move.

The race was over in a matter of strides, the only concern being the winner’s pronounced drift to the left and back again in the closing stages. Overall, it looked an ordinary classic trial, won by a very talented individual, owned by Qatar Racing.

Although Roaring Lion closed in to 7/1 for the Derby (with O’Brien’s Saxon Warrior 4/5 in many books), Gosden did not commit him to Epsom and made no bold predictions regarding stamina.

“I’d have been disappointed if he hadn’t won like that because he’s been training beautifully at home. He woke up after the Guineas and has got himself mentally in the zone. We just have to work out with the owners (Qatar Racing Limited) whether we go to Epsom or the Prix du Jockey-Club.

“It confirmed Saxon Warrior as ‘the horse.’ He beat us fair and square at Doncaster last year and again in the Guineas, which is the best trial of all,” the trainer added.

One possible route for Roaring Lion is Chantilly followed by the Irish Derby. Mark Johnston said Mildenberger would miss Epsom in favour of the King Edward VII or the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot with the St Leger the longterm target. He has Dee Ex Bee for the Derby.