All the hot views and pointers as Corelli bids to hit right note for Gosden

2.30 Lingfield
Betfred Derby Trial Stakes | Listed | 1m3½f | 3yo colts and geldings | ITV4/ATR

John Gosden has not won this trial since 2004 with Percussionist, but he has a strong contender this year with Corelli, winner of two of his three starts to date.

The colt is closely related to Lucarno, and like the 2007 St Leger winner, is owned by George Strawbridge. It may be Corelli stays further in time, but another win and his Investec Derby odds, for which he is a best-priced 50-1, would tumble.

Gosden said: "He's still a bit inexperienced as he had nothing to race with in the last two furlongs when winning at Yarmouth the other day. That run has brought him on and he's ready to step up in class, although we all have Kew Gardens to beat by the looks of it."

Where does Kew Gardens stack up in O'Brien's Derby team?

On form, Kew Gardens looks like he is one of the supporting cast within Ballydoyle's Derby team. Last season he finished behind stablemates Nelson and 2,000 Guineas winner and Derby favourite Saxon Warrior.

On his seasonal return the son of Galileo was only third behind Mildenberger in the 1m1f Feilden Stakes at Newmarket, but when you consider he was a winner over a mile and a quarter winner at the track as a juvenile, stepping up in trip should only be a plus.

O'Brien has a great record in the race, with four winners since 2008, and said of Kew Gardens: "We've been very happy with him since his first run of the year at Newmarket. We think he's progressed. The track and ground should suit."

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Will Thrave display more speed than stamina?

Henry Candy is keen to experiment with Thrave in the race to see which way to go with the colt this season.

Having run twice over seven furlongs last season, winning on the second start, Thrave showed speed at two, but with his sire being 2006 Derby winner Sir Percy there is a good chance he can stay much further.

Candy said: "It's very experimental. We want to see whether he gets a mile and a half. He showed an awful lot of speed in his races last year.

"He's had quite a few niggly little problems in the spring, which is why he hasn't run yet, so I'd like to get some idea of his distance and what class of race he ought to be running in."

What they say

Andrew Balding, trainer of King And Empire
He's been a little bit slow to come to hand but I've been very happy with him in the last fortnight. Obviously it's difficult to make a case for him on the bare form of what he achieved at Kempton but we've always liked him and hopefully he'll run well.

Tim Palin, representing Middleham Park Racing, owners of Star Of Southwold
You couldn't fail to be impressed with the way he won his Newmarket novice. He did it nicely and we're hoping the step up in trip will suit. We think the long straight will suit, he's bred to get the trip and we'll find out a lot more about him.

Karl Burke, trainer of Wax And Wane
He's a lovely colt and did really well to win twice at two. It's a fact-finding mission as I think he wants a trip and cut in the ground, so any rain would help. He's fit and well, so we'll see where we are after this.

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