'I think I'm in a pretty good place to handle this' - Callum Shepherd ignites a dream as the Derby becomes more interesting
Suddenly the Derby looks different. It also looks better, particularly if you happen to be one of those connected to Ambiente Friendly.
Going into Lingfield's celebrated trial, the Betfred-backed Derby was overwhelmingly dominated by the sport's two superpowers. That remains the case but thanks to Ambiente Friendly there is now a welcome new story and a live new candidate for Epsom glory.
It remains highly probable the colt who emerges triumphant on June 1 will belong to Coolmore or Godolphin and be trained by Aidan O'Brien or Charlie Appleby. The ante-post market has 2,000 Guineas flop City Of Troy and Sandown winner Arabian Crown vying for favouritism with plenty of stablemates filling the positions just below them and above everything else. However, after a revelatory Lingfield display, that private party looks a little less private.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
inReports
- 'You could see Aidan was overcome with stress' - O'Brien's relief is obvious as City Of Troy fulfils his Derby destiny
- Listowel: Shecouldbeanything powers home under Sam Ewing for sixth success and gives Gordon Elliott a double on the day
- Musselburgh: Goodwood an option for Jabaara as filly keeps Emalka team on a roll by landing Listed Queen of Scots
- Worcester: 'I gave him a squeeze four out and I knew I was in business' - Sean Bowen lands opener as flood-hit track resumes
- 'There's no doubt he's the best Derby winner we've had' - City Of Troy and Aidan O'Brien silence the doubters
- Champions League final double odds boost: get 100-1 for Dortmund to win OR 40-1 for Real Madrid
- Epsom Derby betting offer: get £40 in free bets with Ladbrokes for the big race at Epsom
- Champions League final odds boost: claim Sky Bet's exclusive 50-1 odds for 1+ shots on target during Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid
- Jude Bellingham betting offer: get enhanced odds of 40-1 for Bellingham to have 1+ shots on target in the Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Champions League final
- 'You could see Aidan was overcome with stress' - O'Brien's relief is obvious as City Of Troy fulfils his Derby destiny
- Listowel: Shecouldbeanything powers home under Sam Ewing for sixth success and gives Gordon Elliott a double on the day
- Musselburgh: Goodwood an option for Jabaara as filly keeps Emalka team on a roll by landing Listed Queen of Scots
- Worcester: 'I gave him a squeeze four out and I knew I was in business' - Sean Bowen lands opener as flood-hit track resumes
- 'There's no doubt he's the best Derby winner we've had' - City Of Troy and Aidan O'Brien silence the doubters
- Champions League final double odds boost: get 100-1 for Dortmund to win OR 40-1 for Real Madrid
- Epsom Derby betting offer: get £40 in free bets with Ladbrokes for the big race at Epsom
- Champions League final odds boost: claim Sky Bet's exclusive 50-1 odds for 1+ shots on target during Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid
- Jude Bellingham betting offer: get enhanced odds of 40-1 for Bellingham to have 1+ shots on target in the Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Champions League final