Oaks and Derby hopefuls go head-to-head in fascinating Classic Trial

2.45 KemptonUnibet Classic Trial Stakes (Group 3) | 1m2f | 3yo | RTV

The name this race carries does not resonate like it used to, considering Bustino, Troy, Shergar and Shahrastani were on the roll of honour in the 1970s and 80s.

One small part of the reason for that is that fillies rarely attempt the race. The last time one did was in 2010. The average level required to win this race at Sandown over the last ten years has been 109. If Born With Pride runs to that sort of level here, she will probably go off favourite for the Oaks.

She might not have to reach that level in order to win, given she receives 3lb from the colts. Improvement from her debut would be a short price, as she was able to win at Listed level at Newmarket.

That was over a mile and her pedigree suggests trips of a mile and a half, at least. The competition she faces is about on standard for the race, for all the field is above average in terms of its size.

William Haggas fields Oaks hopeful Born With Pride at Kempton on WednesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Max Vega has form that is almost enough to win an average renewal, having scooted clear in the Zetland Stakes in October. He is clearly useful but looks a real stayer.

Bustino did not win the Derby after this race, he won the St Leger, and Max Vega already appeals as one who will still be going at the end of 1m4f.

What is notable about the field at large is how many have form on testing ground. That is not surprising for middle-distance three-year-olds, who may not hit stride until the autumn at two, but that marries more readily with Sandown in April than Kempton's Polytrack.

This is a factor worth considering. Speed is more likely to be called for than is often the case. Whatever wins this would be unlikely to lack for pace in an Epsom Classic.

Keith Melrose, betting editor

What the trainers say

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Bright Melody
He was green on his debut but did everything the right way round and finished off his race nicely. He's a gelding, so doesn't have any Classic aspirations, but we felt he deserves a crack at this level. We're hopeful he can produce another good effort and we'll know more about his future afterwards.

Oliver Cole, co-trainer of Highland Chief
He's done well. We had him scoped after the Royal Lodge and he was riven with ulcers, which is why he had that ungainly tail action during the race. This is a fact-finding operation and we'll know a lot more after the race.

John Gosden, trainer of Hypothetical
It was either this or a novice and we thought we'd let him take his chance here. The inner track for these mile-and-a-quarter races means it all happens a bit quick and he's short on experience, but on the plus side he won nicely first time and has been pleasing since.

William Haggas, trainer of Born With Pride
We're all playing catch-up and we need to get on. There are some big races coming up and we need to find out whether she's good enough for them. It's not ideal at all, taking on colts on the all-weather.

Reporting by Scott Burton

The Racing Post newspaper is back in shops to mark the return of British racing on Monday, June 1! With extensive coverage of all the racing, interviews with the biggest names, tipping from our renowned experts, writing from the likes of Alastair Down and all the cards and form, it's your unmissable guide to all the action. Pick up your copy today