Progressive King's Caper seeks Derby entry as Johnston eyes Epsom hat-trick

2.30 Epsom
Investec Derby "Wild Card" Conditions Stakes | 1m½f, 2yo | RTV

Just three horses line up in the Investec Derby Wild Card Conditions Race, with the winner given an automatic entry into the Derby next year.

The Mark Johnston-trained King's Caper could become the third consecutive winner from the Middleham stable following the success of Dee Ex Bee (2017), who subsequently went on to finish second in the Derby, and Persian Moon (2018).

The son of 2008 Derby winner New Approach, King's Caper has completed a hat-trick this season, having scored at Beverley, Ripon and Chelmsford, and he will carry a 5lb penalty as a result of his latest victory.

Charlie Johnston, assistant trainer to his father Mark, said: "King's Caper has progressed nicely this term and looks the right type for this race. The form of his victories are probably not up to the level of a Royal Lodge so we decided to target this race."

Entries for the 2020 Investec Derby

This is the first of two opportunities for a wildcard entry, the second of which is by winning the £50,000 Investec Derby Trial at Epsom in April.

Horses are traditionally entered in the Derby at yearling stage, two years before they will be able to participate in the race, and 356 yearlings were entered for the 2020 Derby in December 2018. More entries can then be made in April and May.

Cieren Fallon will have his first Derby ride in the Apprentice edition, he partners the George Baker-trained Culture who is chasing his third consecutive victory.

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