Classic Trials

Always like this time of the year with the series of trial races for the classic generation. Whilst they may not always signal winners at Epsom, a pecking order and form lines are usually constructed. So far this week, we have had Chester's input (albeit blighted somewhat by the weather) and with Lingfield, the Derrinstown and the Dante to follow, hopefully a credible alternative to Ballydoyle's brigade will emerge. However at this stage it looks very much that last week's 2000 Guineas winner, Camelot will take all the beating. His almost languorous winning surge looked to have the Derby very much in mind and it would take a brave man to oppose him. Nevertheless 5/4 is poor value and the search for an each way candidate continues.

cheers....

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...

Epsom Trials

Trials for the Espsom Classics continue today at Lingfield, following rather uninformative results at Chester during the week. Timepiece caught the eye at Newmarket and should confirm her position at the head of the Oaks market. The Derby trial looks more open but doubtful if any of the contenders will be winning in June. However, Desert Myth showed some promise while winning a maiden at Newmarket and looks the likely winner. The Derrinstown at Leopardstown only has four runners but a strong recent tradition of producing a good horse.

The main betting race is the Victoria Cup at Ascot. This is always worth watching as it establishes form lines for the big handicaps to be run here in the next few months. Marbait was very impressive last time but is very short in a big field. Initially liked Prime Exhibit but draw and going are against him. I fruitlessly followed Signor Peltro last season, but while he has chance, I will leave him go as he is a bit high in the handicap. Since the track redevelopment, one noticeable trend is the relevance of AW form. To test that theory, going to proffer Street Power as a sporting bet from a favourable draw and Brave Echo also worth monitoring from the other side.

good luck...