Trials Time

As it is unlikely, that Frankel will be heading to Epsom, this year's trials take on added significance. It is doubtful that we saw a contender at Chester this week and today's Derby trial at Lingfield looks undistinguished, although interested to see how Marahaba Mayloon runs. We should learn more tomorrow from the Derrinstown at Leopardstown, if Recital settles better, but perhaps the most informative race will be the Dante at York on Thursday. The Oaks picture looks equally opaque albeit, Wonder of Wonders did well on the Roodee.

Despite a busy day, winners look hard to find making it a watching, rather than playing afternoon. The early season notebook brief will be monitoring Bated Breadth (again) + Victoire de Lyphar, Passion for Gold (long absent), Bourne (Haydock), and Berling.

However, a particular focus will be on the Victoria Cup at Ascot, with a view to the forthcoming series of 7 furlong handicaps on the track over the season. Competitive as ever, going to go with two from either side of the draw, Lutine Bell and Zero Money.

Across the ocean, the Kentucky Derby rounds off a full day. Uncle Mo's absence takes the shine of this year's renewal but curious to see how Master of the Hounds runs for Ballydoyle after his unusual prep at Meydan (globalisation indeed).

good luck...