Goldini: stays on strongly under David Probert to win Derby Trial at Epsom
PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)Gelded Goldoni storms toDerby Trial success
Report: Epsom, Wednesday
Investec Derby Trial Conditions 1m2f, 3yo+
THE gelded Goldoni stormed down the outside of Mister Music to claim victory for trainer Andrew Balding and jockey David Probert.
The winner nows earns himself an automatic wildcard entry for the Derby but, as he is gelded, will be unable to take his place in the line-up in June.
Cameron Highland, sent off the 9-4 favourite, briefly tried to challenge up the inside rail buthis effort petered out with a furlong to run.
Balding said: "He's improved for gelding so I've got no regrets on that score. He's a very honest work horse and very versatile ground wise.
"That was encouraging and I've got some nice three-year-olds so I still hope to have a runner on the big day. Bonfire will hopefully run in the Dee Stakes and Minimise Risk will be aimed at the Chester Vase."
Mister Music led from the start under Ryan Moore as Cameron Highland tracked the pace in third with the Aidan O'Brien-trained Thomasgainsborough travelling well towards the rear.
Mister Music, trained by Richard Hannon, kicked for home with three furlongs to run but he had company as Cameron Highland laid down a strong challenge under Neil Callan.
Andrew Balding: has some exciting prospects for the Derby in June
PICTURE: Edward WhitakerGoldoni was also making ground on the outer as Thomasgainsborough attempted to extricate himself from the pocket he was caught in behind the leaders under the trainer's son Joseph.
As the furlong marker approached, the tiring ground ultimately got the better of Cameron Highland and Mister Music and Goldoni were left to fight out the finish.
Goldoni, who finished runner-up on his seasonal debut at Doncaster at the start of the month, picked up well for Probert and went on to score convincingly by a lengthand three-quarters at odds of 15-2.
Cameron Highland took third ahead of Thomasgainsborough, while the John Gosden-trained Unex Michelangelo ran a disappointing race to finish at the rear of the six-runner field.
Roger Varian, trainer of Cameron Highland, said: "He's got such a fluent action he just didn't pick up at all in the ground.
"I'd hope he's betterthan that but that will have pulled him about a bit and it's such a tight schedule between now and the Derby. I don't know where he'll go now."
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