'We had to do what we did and he didn't let me down, he surprised me actually'

With the first two Classics completed, and after another busy week of action, including trials at York, here are ten quotes that could give us clues . . .

I was very pleased. He was impressive in his maiden and we got behind schedule. We had to do what we did and he didn't let me down, he surprised me actually. That was very encouraging. It's [Dante Stakes] a good trial; it's the best.
Sir Michael Stoute on new Derby favourite Desert Crown after his Dante win

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Walk Of Stars has definitely come on mentally for his run at Lingfield [when second in the Derby Trial]. We're definitely pleased with what we've seen since his run.
Charlie Appleby pleased with how Walk Of Stars has come out of the Lingfield Derby Trial

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Nahanni has not been seen since the Blue Riband at Epsom but physically I couldn't be more pleased with how he's done. Work-wise, he's clicking up the gears each week and we're looking forward to going to Epsom.
Charlie Appleby looking forward to the Derby with contender Nahanni

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I've had one previous ride in the Derby. It was one of Harry Dunlop's, who won the Lingfield trial and didn't go so well in the Derby. I'm in a very privileged position to be able to work under Sir Michael and Ryan [Moore] and I've been very lucky that Ryan had one in the race and people are trusting enough to let me on him.
Richard Kingscote on Derby experience after landing the Dante on Desert Crown

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Richard Kingscote looking to have a better Derby experience this yearCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

One of the side effects of winning a trial is you have to carry a penalty most of the time if you want to run in another. He won his trial first start and Ralph [Beckett] was happy. Hopefully he’ll be going in there with plenty of experience, he’s a professional enough type of horse and hopefully Monday [Derby Gallops day] will set him up for the Derby itself.
Barry Mahon, Juddmonte racing manager, on the plans for Sandown Classic Trial winner Westover

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Everyone's very excited [about the weekend]. Native Trail looks fantastic and had his last piece of work on Wednesday with William [Buick] on. He looked great and it's all systems go for the Curragh.
Charlie Appleby looking forward to Native Trail's Irish Classic attempt

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She’s a terribly exciting filly. Her turn of foot was extraordinary in Leopardstown. It’s all systems go, she did her last piece of work and seemed very well. Provided conditions are okay we should get a nice clean run at things and hopefully she’ll put her best foot forward on Sunday.
Chris Hayes bullish about the chances of Homeless Songs in the Irish 1,000 Guineas

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Chris Hayes looking forward to riding Homeless Songs in the Irish 1,000 GuineasCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

We watched the Lingfield Oaks Trial last weekend and part of me thought we left that one behind us. But I'd rather do it at Navan and take it from there. The next step will be the Munster Oaks and time will tell whether she is worth stepping up into the big time.
Ger Lyons looking for a Classic trial with Cairde Go Deo

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At the beginning of the year we thought he was going to be a mile-and-a-quarter or a mile-and-a-half horse, and he probably is, but he's one of them that just has such natural pace that a mile could be very good for him.
Shane Crosse, jockey of Buckaroo, on his mount's best trip

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Mise En Scene's in great nick. It's a huge thrill to have a horse of this calibre, that we're talking about a Classic, for owners that have been very good to me and, more importantly, to the sport. They've put a lot into racing and it would be wonderful if I could repay them by running well in Ireland.
James Ferguson looking to conquer the home challengers in the 1,000 Guineas with Mise En Scene

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