'Incredibly well-regarded' Lysander to test Derby credentials in Goodwood trial

Lysander will bid to book his place in the Cazoo Derby when lining up in the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood on Friday.

The three-year-old was third on his debut at Newbury in October and got off the mark for trainer William Haggas when scoring by eight and a half lengths on the all-weather at Newcastle under Rowan Scott last month.

Lysander's owners Highclere will hope he can emulate Khalifa Sat, who scored at Goodwood in 2020 before finishing second in the Derby. The race was won last season by Lone Eagle, who beat Breeders' Cup winner Yibir before finishing a close second in the Irish Derby.

Harry Herbert, chairman and managing director of Highclere, said of Lysander: "He worked well on Saturday and we'll see where we stand on Friday.

"He's an exciting horse and is incredibly well regarded. It would be a big jump to the Derby, but we'll have a clearer idea after Goodwood."

Lysander is generally 40-1 for next month's Derby and features in the entries alongside fellow Highclere-owned Royal Patronage, who is available at 25-1 after chasing home Epsom favourite Desert Crown in the Dante Stakes.

Royal Patronage: was second behind Cazoo Derby favourite Desert Crown in the DanteCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"It was an encouraging performance from Royal Patronage," said Herbert. "No decision has been made and we'll let the dust settle. He'll either go for the Derby or the French Derby."

Highclere, which won the 1,000 Guineas with Cachet this month, also hit the post at York with Thunderous, who was second behind Stradivarius in the Yorkshire Cup for Charlie and Mark Johnston. He was only beaten a length and could now be aimed at the Goodwood Cup.

"It was exciting to see him back to his best or arguably even better," said Herbert. "He's been plagued with injuries, but he seems to be back in full flow.

"We're not certain where he'll go next. He's in the Hardwicke Stakes, although ideally we'll go further than a mile and six furlongs and a race like the Goodwood Cup could be a target."

Cazoo Derby entries and betting

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