TIME analysis at York’s Dante Meeting was rendered difficult by fluctuating weather conditions and selective (though publicised) rail movements. But what came through loud and clear is that the Dante itself was a proper Derby trial, run in a decent overall time.

Permian emerged victorious with a 112 timefigure and a pretty fast finish which suggests he can go higher still, and he and the runner-up Benbatl arguably paid compliments to Cracksman (who had short-headed Permian at Epsom but ducked this at the 11th hour) and Eminent respectively.