Mohaafeth the star act as Epsom hopes put final touches to preparations

It's full steam ahead to next month's Epsom Classics, the Cazoo Derby and Cazoo Oaks. Market movers come thick and fast as the key Classic trials are run in Britain and Ireland, but big-race contenders can come from anywhere and it's easy to miss a potential dark horse. Classic Clues, our new series running every morning, has you covered. Here's a recap of Wednesday's news and how it's impacted on the Classic betting

Racing round-up: Mohaafeth goes 'very nicely' in tough workout

Leading Cazoo Derby hope Mohaafeth was given his last piece of serious work by trainer William Haggas on Wednesday morning before his bid for Classic glory for Epsom on June 5.

The impressive Listed Newmarket Stakes winner – a general 8-1 chance for the Derby – worked on the Rowley Mile under Jim Crowley alongside stablemates Ilaraab and Faylaq on ground Haggas described as "surprisingly soft".

While all roads lead to Epsom, the Classic-winning trainer struck a note of caution on Mohaafeth's Derby bid, saying he could miss the race if the ground was to turn up soft on the day.

Haggas said: "He went very nicely on ground which was surprisingly soft. It was a tough piece of work, which it was designed to be, and hopefully we'll have an easy time of it until next Saturday.

"He's a top-of-the-ground horse and if it's soft I'll be very keen not to run and wait for Ascot, but if it's good or faster we're up for it big time.

Mohaafeth (near side) works on the Rowley Mile under Jim Crowley on Wednesday

"He's a strong, mature horse who is quite well balanced and he's got a lot in his favour in an open Derby."

While Mohaafeth will head to Epsom, the Newmarket trainer confirmed that Alenquer and Sea Empress will miss the Derby and Oaks.

Derby card and betting

Oaks card and betting

Third Realm ramps up Derby preparations

Roger Varian could have multiple runners as he bids for his first wins in the Oaks and the Derby, and his team will be headlined by Derby Trial winner Third Realm, who stepped up his preparations on Wednesday.

The son of Sea The Stars, who put himself in the Derby picture at Lingfield this month, worked around the bend on the Racecourse Side under Andrea Atzeni, and the Racing Post's Newmarket correspondent David Milnes described the horse as "improving".

Varian and owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum could also be represented in the fillies' Classic with Lingfield Oaks Trial second Save A Forest after she worked around the bend too.

Noon Star, who has been confirmed for the Oaks, also worked on Wednesday morning under big-race partner Richard Kingscote on the Al Bahathri Polytrack, with her Epsom date just nine days away.

Read more on Epsom:

Derby and Oaks clues aplenty as leading trainer holds his own trials morning (Members' Club)

Varian expecting Oaks contender Teona to come home strong in first-time hood

'He's a boy, and he knows he is' - lack of big crowd will aid Al Aasy at Epsom

'Let's go and do our best' – Saffron Beach confirmed for Cazoo Oaks bid

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