While most of the post-race Derby talk understandably surrounded winner Ruling Court after the 2000 Guineas, Tornado Alert emerged as a potential dark horse for Epsom with a pleasing performance to finish fourth.
Previously unraced on turf having finished third at Lingfield and won at Newcastle in the autumn, the Too Darn Hot colt faced a mammoth step up in class on his reappearance over the Rowley Mile – but justified the faith of Saeed bin Suroor with a bold front-running effort.
After racing keenly, he was caught flat-footed when the front three found another gear racing out of the dip, but he kept boxing on to be beaten only beaten four and a half lengths, and his vastly experienced trainer – who claimed Derby glory with Lammtarra 30 years ago – believes he has another genuine contender on his hands.