How far can Hurricane Lane go after his Irish Derby triumph?

'He could be the best three-year-old'

Hurricane Lane looks a high-class Group 1 middle-distance horse and his Irish Derby success was good enough to suggest he deserves a second crack at stablemate and Derby conqueror Adayar.

Lone Eagle, a classy horse in his own right, set some excellent fractions but the way the winner kept on really powerfully to run him down in the final stages was impressive – despite some unlucky stories in behind.

Hurricane Lane storms home to deny Lone Eagle in epic Irish Derby

Hurricane Lane looks to stay the distance well so the St Leger would hold no fears for him but I imagine Charlie Appleby is relishing tackling those big prizes over a mile and a half after this.

This was only his fifth start so there's potentially even more improvement to come and there's every chance he could be the best three-year-old come the end of the season.
James Stevens, reporter

James Stevens thinks Hurricane Lane can confirm himself one of the best aroundCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

'May lack the dash and class to be a true star'

The victory showed how hungry William Buick has become and how well he is riding but Hurricane Lane appears more of a grinder than a glider and may just lack the dash and class to become a true middle-distance star.

If Epsom hero Adayar has the 1m4f division covered by going for the King George, setting Hurricane Lane on the St Leger trail looks a sensible play from connections, although Curragh third Wordsworth will have a major say at Doncaster.
James Burn, reporter

Click here to watch Hurricane Lane get up in the dying strides of the Irish Derby

'It would be a shame not to have a go at another Group 1'

Hurricane Lane isn’t one to do anything in a hurry but once his stride lengthened he was some sight in full flight.

The Irish Derby has in modern times been viewed as a stayers’ race more likely to produce St Leger candidates and even Cup horses at four. It would be a shame not to have a go at another Group 1 over a mile and a half before conceding the point but if Doncaster is where connections choose to go, it is hard to see Hurricane Lane not relishing the task.

Lone Eagle put up a fine performance and stayed every yard of a strongly run mile and a half, although the way he travelled effortlessly while everything else was being bustled to take an early position suggests he may have the pace for a mile and a quarter.

Connections of Epsom runner-up Mojo Star have every right to wonder whether they wasted their trip over and it must be hoped they enjoy a clearer run next time out.
Scott Burton, reporter

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