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 4.

Motivator's comeback in the race recognised as the Derby's best trial could hardly have gone more smoothly.

Taken to the start well away from his rivals, there was little sign of the fragile temperament connections had hinted at in the run-up to the contest.

And in the race itself he was always travelling well before his burst of acceleration sealed the victory.

Falstaff, the Aidan O'Brien-trained second-string to stablemate Albert Hall, cut out the early pace but it was far from a breakneck gallop and he was soon joined by the hard-pulling Proclamation.

Johnny Murtagh had Motivator better switched off at the back of the pack, with only Albert Hall behind him, and he was in a prime position turning for home.

Albert Hall tried to challenge down the outside in the straight, but 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 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.

The relief was evident on the face of Bell as his charge returned to the winner's enclosure.

''It's been an agonising six months since the Racing Post Trophy,'' he said. ''We made the decision to come to the Dante and it is now looking a sound decision.

''I can't tell you the part the team at home have played. He is quite highly-strung but he was very calm in the preliminaries.

''We kept everything low-key before the race and he behaved immaculately before, during and after. I am absolutely delighted.

''His whole day has been very smooth and it will take a good one to beat him at Epsom."

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

Murtagh, delighted with Motivator's performance, supported all Bell's sentiments as he aims for a third Derby winner.

He said: ''He was a bit green really but he was only having his third run and I expect a lot more improvement - he has what it takes.

''Good horses adapt and to win the Derby he has to overcome it all. I think he has a great chance."

Understandably, David Elsworth will also turn his attentions towards Epsom with runner-up The Geezer - as short as 10-1 with Ladbrokes and totesport for the Turf's blue riband event.

Elsworth probably had one eye on the fact the pacemaker had kept on to finish third, with the likes of Albert Hall and Proclamation running no sort of race, when he admitted to doubts over the merit of the form.

But it was still a wholly-creditable performance from the runner-up, who very much looked the type to appreciate a stiffer test of stamina he will surely face at Epsom.