Ambitious Walker thinks big as he launches Stephensons Rocket on Derby trail

Ed Walker, who enjoyed a fine first full season in Lambourn last year after relocating from Newmarket at the end of 2016, is keen to kick on this term and the ambitious trainer has the biggest Flat race of all in his sights with Stephensons Rocket.

Owned by Walker's landlord Bjorn Nielsen, the son of Teofilo won a Redcar novice in October and has connections purring about his potential as a three-year-old.

A 66-1 chance for the Investec Derby, he is due to appear in Friday's bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown, for which 23 entries were unveiled on Saturday.

Derby entries

"He's in great form," said Walker, who hosted more than 100 owners and supporters at his yard on Saturday morning.

"He's done exceptionally well from two to three and is bred to get further. He's a big boy, tall and leggy, but an absolutely stunning horse.

"He's got that Stormy Antarctic arrogance and thinks he's pretty special, and we think he's pretty special. We're very excited about him this year. We always thought he was a smart horse last year and one we'd be aiming at the Classics. The dream is the Derby."

View the replay and result of Stephensons Rocket's Redcar win

The role of current stable star at Kingsdown belongs to Stormy Antarctic, a winner in France recently and thought capable of striking at the highest level as long as conditions are testing.

Walker, who has 80 horses, of which 35 are two-year-olds, added: "He's in a Group 2 in France on May 1 – the Prix du Muguet – and I think that'll be the perfect stepping stone for him over a mile. He's in really good order and we hope he has a bit more luck this year. We might consider the Lockinge if the ground came up soft, but he's been second twice in Group 1s and deserves to win one."

Lockinge entries

Walker took the opportunity to run through some of his other horses, saying: "There's no plan for Aeolus but it was great to get him back winning at Newmarket this week after such a long absence from the winner's enclosure. We'll be aiming at valuable sprint handicaps.

View the replay and result of Aeolus's Newmarket win

"Indian Blessing will run in the Dahlia at Newmarket on Guineas weekend and worked very well this morning. The EP Taylor Stakes could be a race for her, while I think Dark Pearl will be a progressive stayer – the Ebor will be the ultimate plan.

"There are some valuable sprint handicaps for three-year-olds, so we'll look at one at York for Desert Doctor. Of the other three-year-olds, Caradoc is an unexposed, staying type. We have a decent bunch."

Two juveniles to note include the "very speedy and sharp" On The Stage and Ginistrelli, a "gorgeous Frankel who is so well made and walks beautifully".

"We had a record number of winners and prize-money last year, so I couldn't have been happier," said Walker, who now counts Al Shaqab among his patrons with Al Daiha, an Olympic Glory half-sister to Indian Blessing.

"We just want to keep on getting better and getting better horses, just growing."

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