Epsom Derby

2012 Lingfield Derby Trial

racing news/

Nevis Takes Weakened Derby Trial
11/05/13

1 Nevis 4/9F
2 Elidor 8/1
3 Pasaka Boy 20/1
NR: Greatwood
4 ran Distances: 9l, 6l, 15l
TIME 2m 40.09s (slow by 13.09s)

Persistent rain saw conditions officially changed to 'soft' ahead of the Betfred Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield, leading to the withdrawal of likely favourite Greatwood and leaving the way clear for yet another Aidan O'Brien winner of a Classic trial this week in Nevis.

Nevis
© Caroline Norris

Like Ruler Of The World and Magician at Chester, Ryan Moore did the steering and he soon had the son of Dansili at the head of affairs.

Negotiating the downhill turn with what looked like real aplomb, Moore always had matters firmly in control and the 4-9 favourite readily asserted from three furlongs out, slamming Elidor by nine lengths.

Kevin Buckley, Coolmore's UK representative, said of the winner: "The ground changing wasn't ideal, but he had travelled a long way and there was no point not running. He handled it OK, and he won decisively.

"It will be up to Aidan what he does once he has seen the rest of the trials."

Luca Cumani said of Greatwood: "We didn't run because of the ground and he will either go for the Dante and then the Derby, or the old Predominate at Goodwood then miss the Derby and go to Royal Ascot."

Betfred Derby Trial Stakes (Listed)
£60,000 added, 3yo only, 1m 3f 106y, Class 1
4 ran
Going: Soft