Weekend Winners turn their attention to Lingfield on Saturday for the Derby and Oaks Trials, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Host Kate Tracey is joined by regular panellists Declan Rix and Sam Boswell to preview the Classic Trial action and also take a look at Ascot’s Victoria Cup. Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby dominate the early markets at Lingfield, while Ryan Moore arrives in good form after big-race success at Chester.
William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes (1.28)
Kate Tracey was intrigued by Ryan Moore’s choice, noting she expected him to be tempted by Bloom and believing there was little between Bloom and Cameo. Bloom impressed stepping up to 10 furlongs and Kate thinks she could progress further over this trip.
Declan Rix is siding with the outsider Amora Queen for Charlie Johnston’s yard. He describes the filly as a big, late-developing type who looked likely to benefit from a step up in trip after her run at Doncaster. Declan believes a positive rhythm from Silvestre de Sousa could see her outrun her price.
Sam Boswell from BetVictor prefers the favourite Romantic Symphony but admits Appleby’s yard form gives him pause. He still likes Romantic Symphony’s debut at Newmarket and the suggestion that she handles better ground, and believes she is an interesting prospect despite reservations about the Appleby duo.
William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes (1.58)
Kate is with Isaac Newton, the Aidan O’Brien runner who caught the eye in last season’s Criterium de Saint-Cloud. She feels the colt has scope to progress into a Group performer after a respectable run in the Feilden Stakes and that 7/2 represents fair value for O’Brien’s sole entry here.
Declan agrees that Isaac Newton holds the strongest piece of form in the race, pointing to his French form behind stablemate Pierre Bonnard in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud. He thinks Isaac Newton had an educational ride there, and that a year older and stronger he should travel well around Lingfield. Declan is happy to oppose Charlie Appleby’s Maho Bay at the prices and also likes the look of Maltese Cross, who should relish the extra trip.
Sam says Maho Bay looks short given Appleby’s current overall form, and he rates Maltese Cross highly after an eye-catching Newbury win and a gutsy performance to beat Del Maro at Newmarket. Sam expects Maltese Cross to be prominent and put up a big effort.
Overall, the panel expect a lively day of trials with Isaac Newton, Maltese Cross and a handful of interesting fillies to watch as the Classic season builds. Ryan Moore’s recent momentum adds an extra angle to Lingfield’s big day.