Derby dreams came to life at York yesterday as Motivator maintained his unbeaten record with a stylish and forthright success in the totesport Dante Stakes. All through the winter and spring, trainer Michael Bell and the 230 members of the Royal Ascot Racing Club who own the colt have been looking forward to his return to racing action.

And with that obstacle now easily jumped, it is on to Epsom and the world's most famous race, the Vodafone Derby on June 4th. Aidan O'Brien's Albert Hall (finished fifth) tried to challenge down the outside in the straight, but Johnny Murtagh was sitting with a double handful and he only had to push the button a furlong and a half out for his mount to pick up and move clear.

The even-money favourite drifted to the right in the closing stages as the The Geezer tried to peg him back, but his supremacy was never in doubt as he eased home for a one-and-a-half-length success.

Motivator is now as short as 7 to 4 for the Derby with Coral, although Ladbrokes are out on a limb at 3 to 1.