Exciting Teofilo three-year-old Permian has progressed beautifully this season and on the Knavesmire this week, he threw himself into Derby contention with a convincing win in the Group II Dante Stakes.
Settled on the rail in fourth position under Franny Norton, Mark Johnston's charge was content to bowl along behind the early leaders until asked for his effort two furlongs out. He then quickened superbly, staying on strongly to win by three quarters of a length.
Permian was last seen landing the Listed Newmarket Stakes by four and a half lengths on 2,000 Guineas day, having been beaten just a short head in the Derby Trial at Epsom on 26 April. He will now be supplemented for the Derby, due to take place in 16 days' time, where he will bid to become the first winner trained in the north of England since Dante himself.
Craven Stakes third Benbatl(Dubawi) put up another impressive performance when finishing second (on just his third racecourse appearance) and he too could line up at Epsom on 3 June.
Permian is out of the multiple Stakes winner Tessa Reef (Mark Of Esteem), dam of two further Black type performers in Second Wave (New Approach) and Samana Cay (Authorized). Tessa Reef is herself out of a half-sister to the great Miesque.
Teofilo has now sired five individual Group winners in 2017, headed by G1 Australian Cup hero Humidor, plus fellow G1 performer Happy Clapper.
Teofilo stands at Darley, NSW this spring at a fee of $44,000.
