Five in a row? Turgenev out to boost incredible Gosden record in Derby trial

2.45 Epsom
Investec Blue Riband Trial (Listed) | 1m2f | 3yo | RTV

The only horse to win the Blue Riband Trial and the Derby was Blue Peter in 1939, but the race has been an excellent starting point for some of the season's brightest prospects.

John Gosden has won the race six times, and has teamed up with Frankie Dettori to win the last four runnings with talented athletes such as So Mi Dar (2016) and Cracksman (2017), who announced their arrival into the big time on Epsom's idiosyncratic stage.

Cracksman (red cap) got the better of Permian in the Blue Riband in 2017Credit: Mark Cranham

This year Gosden and Dettori turn to Turgenev, who promised a great deal as a juvenile but disappointed on his return to action in a hot conditions race at Newbury this month.

That seventh-placed effort came on soft ground, and Gosden believes better ground is key for a horse whose only turf win was achieved on good ground at Newmarket.

Gosden said: "He found the ground a bit holding for him at Newbury first time out. He's been in good form since and he will find this ground more to his liking."

Can Hope snare first Blue Riband for O'Brien?

Aidan O'Brien's three previous runners in the race failed to place but he is represented by a leading contender this time in Cape Of Good Hope, who is a brother to accomplished globetrotter Highland Reel and Hardwicke Stakes winner Idaho.

Cape Of Good Hope took three attempts to break his maiden, but then proved he was up for mixing it with the best around when chasing home Quorto in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket in July.

Cape Of Good Hope (navy) was third in the Royal Lodge on his final start at twoCredit: Edward Whitaker

He ended his season with a third in the Royal Lodge behind stablemates Mohawk and Sydney Opera House, with Arthur Kitt behind in fifth.

O'Brien said: "He is just about ready to start off. It'll be great to get some experience around Epsom into him. He had some good form at two and ran well in a couple of Group races so hopefully he will do well this year.

"He seems in good form at home and stall one is a help but, as I said, he is just about ready to start back."

Dascombe hopeful Arthur Kitt can last the distance

Arthur Kitt emulated his dam Ceiling Kitty by delivering a fairytale success at Royal Ascot, showing a decent turn of foot to beat Nate The Great in the Chesham.

He was then a creditable second against champion juvenile Too Darn Hot in the Solario and bounced back from a disappointing effort in the Royal Lodge to finish an admirable fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs.

Arthur Kitt: won the Chesham Stakes at Royal AscotCredit: Mark Cranham

Ceiling Kitty was a speedy sort who won the Queen Mary over five furlongs at Royal Ascot, but Arthur Kitt's sire, Camelot, won the Derby, which offers connections hope he will stay this trip.

Trainer Tom Dascombe said: "Arthur Kitt is in good form for his first run of the year.

"It's another step up in trip, but we're hopeful he'll get ten furlongs. We're looking forward to getting his season started."

Walker excited by Cap Francais

Trainer Ed Walker is hunting down an elusive first success at Group 1 level and he believes Cap Francais has the qualities needed to line up in the Derby.

The Frankel colt looked uncomplicated when winning two novice events at Salisbury and Haydock but this represents a step up in class.

Walker said: "He's a very well-balanced horse and, while Epsom is a very unique track, I'm hopeful he'll cope with the undulations.

"He's a horse who will stay well and is going to definitely improve for a step up in trip. It's very exciting to have a horse going for the trial at Epsom with real Derby ambitions."

What they say

Roger Varian, trainer of Mackaar
He wouldn't want slow ground so conditions should suit. I think he's a smart horse and we'll let him tell us the direction we take him in.

Charlie Johnston, assistant to Mark Johnston, trainer of Massam
He's got a bit to find on the ratings but it's a 'win and you're in' race for the Derby and his owner wanted to have a go. We nearly pulled it off with Permian.

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